Melrose Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

A thin-skinned, early-producing Italian frying pepper with delectable 4” fruits that can be eaten green or red. Ripe, red peppers are very sweet and flavorful – delicious fresh from the garden or sautéed with extra virgin olive oil. Extremely popular in Chicago – especially the Melrose Park neighborhood.

• 25 seeds minimum
• Germination: 7-14 days
• Maturity: 55 days (green) or 75 days (ripe)
• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant 1/4" deep in seed starting mix. Requires soil temperatures of 65-90F to germinate. Heat mat is recommended. Keep soil moist.
• Transplant in full sun when all danger of frost has passed. Bottom leaves should be just above ground level.
• Space plants 12-18” apart; space rows 2-4' apart.