King Crimson Pepper: Early-Maturing, High-Yielding Sweet Bell

King Crimson is an exceptional open-pollinated bell pepper variety, prized for its early maturity and superior uniformity. Developed through a collaboration between High Mowing Seeds and Cornell University, this pepper reaches harvestable size in just 60 days from transplant. The plants produce medium-sized, blocky fruits with thick walls, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. King Crimson stands out for its prolific nature, often doubling the harvest compared to other bell pepper varieties.

Gardeners and farmers alike will appreciate King Crimson’s versatility and reliability. The peppers’ uniform shape and size make them ideal for market sales, while their thick walls are perfect for stuffing, grilling, or enjoying fresh in salads. The fruits start green and ripen to a vibrant red, allowing for harvest at multiple stages. With its intermediate resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus, King Crimson offers improved plant health and potentially higher yields in challenging conditions.

King Crimson pepper plants typically grow to a compact height of 18-24 inches, making them suitable for both garden beds and container growing. The plants benefit from 18-inch spacing, allowing ample room for fruit development. Growers can expect generous yields of 3-4 inch fruits with four lobes, perfect for a variety of culinary applications. The peppers’ early maturity is particularly advantageous in cooler climates, ensuring a bountiful harvest before the first frost.

Growing Success Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date
• Provide consistent soil warmth for optimal germination
• Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting
• Use black plastic mulch to warm soil and boost early growth

King Crimson peppers offer an excellent choice for home gardeners and market farmers seeking a reliable, high-performing sweet bell pepper. With its combination of early maturity, disease resistance, and impressive yield, this variety promises to be a valuable addition to any vegetable garden or small-scale farm operation.

For maximum yield, consider pruning the first few flowers to encourage stronger plant growth before fruit set.

Product Features

• Open-pollinated variety
• Medium-sized, blocky fruits with four lobes
• Thick-walled peppers, 3-4 inches in size
• Intermediate resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 60 (from transplant)
• Plant spacing: 18 inches
• Plant height: 18-24 inches
• Optimal soil pH: 6.5-6.8

Key Benefits

• Early maturation, ideal for shorter growing seasons
• High-yielding plants, often doubling standard pepper harvests
• Uniform fruit shape and size, perfect for market sales
• Versatile use in cooking, from stuffing to fresh eating