Organic Sweet Pepper Marconi Red
10 Seeds Pack
Sweet Pepper Marconi Red is an Italian heirloom variety prized for its mild, sweet flavour and medium-thick flesh. The peppers are long and slender, measuring approximately 6 cm wide and 17 cm long, and ripen from green to a rich red. Ideal for salads, stuffing, or roasting, these peppers are a gourmet favourite. For the best yields, sow seeds early with heat and grow them in a greenhouse or polytunnel, as they thrive in warmth. While they can be grown outdoors, cooler conditions may result in smaller crops, fewer ripe fruits, and reduced yields.
Marconi Red also performs well in containers, provided it receives ample water, warmth, and sunlight. Though they require care, these peppers are no more demanding than greenhouse tomatoes and will reward you with juicy, flavourful fruits. Producing heavy crops of tapered fruits up to 7 inches (17.5 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide, this variety stands out as a top choice for culinary enthusiasts.
PLANTING & GROWING
Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them.
Can grow in plant containers in your balcony garden or inside near a sunny window. If you don’t have a suitable garden spot, try a container instead. A pot that’s at least 8 inches wide and it has drainage holes. Due to sensitive roots, repotting is best avoided. Instead, make sure you choose a suitable growing container for your seeds right from the start.
Start by sowing seeds indoors at the appropriate time based on their growing environment. For plants intended to grow under glass, sow seeds from mid-February to early March. For outdoor cultivation, sow seeds in late March or early April. Sweet pepper seeds require warm conditions for germination, ideally 18–21°C (65–70°F). Use a heated propagator if available, or place the seed trays on a warm windowsill. Ensure the growing medium remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Once seedlings emerge, transfer them to a bright location and maintain a slightly cooler temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F). Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. When the seedlings develop two true leaves, transplant them into individual pots measuring 7.5–9 cm (3–3.5 in) in diameter. Maintain a warm environment to encourage steady growth. Young sweet pepper plants, whether grown from seed or purchased, should be kept indoors until late May or until all risk of frost has passed.
When ready to plant outdoors or in a greenhouse, space the sweet pepper plants 38–45 cm (15–18 in) apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for growth. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with rich, well-drained soil for optimal results.
Sweet peppers grow well alongside a variety of companion plants that can enhance their health and productivity. Good companions include dill, parsley, basil, rosemary, marjoram, petunias, marigolds, nasturtiums, lettuce, beans, peas, cucumbers, chard, chives, spinach, shallots, spring onions, garlic, onions, and leeks. These companions help deter pests, improve pollination, and maximize garden space. However, avoid planting sweet peppers near mustard greens, kohlrabi, cabbage, fennel, and apricots, as these can compete for nutrients or negatively impact growth.
Do not plant in same spot more than once every 4 years.