The Tangerine Dream pepper is a rewarding choice for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. Its appealing aesthetic and pleasant flavor make it a popular edible ornamental plant, adding both visual interest and fresh produce to a garden.
Tangerine Dream Pepper Characteristics
Tangerine Dream peppers are known for their vibrant appearance, maturing from green to a bright orange. They typically have a conical shape, tapering to a point, measuring approximately 3 inches (7 to 8 cm) long and 1 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 cm) in diameter. These peppers grow upright on a compact, bushy plant, creating an attractive display in gardens or containers.
The flavor is distinctly sweet, often with citrus notes. While sweet, some peppers may have a very mild hint of heat, ranging from 0 to 100 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This places them in the sweet pepper category, comparable to a bell pepper in mildness but with a more elongated shape and thinner wall.
Growing Tangerine Dream Peppers
Starting Seeds
Sow Tangerine Dream pepper seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) deep in a seed-starting mix. A consistent soil temperature of 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) aids germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 21 days.
Once seedlings emerge with two true leaves, provide ample light from a sunny windowsill or fluorescent grow lights for about 16 hours daily. Seedlings also benefit from a weak liquid feed at this stage.
Planting
Transplant seedlings outdoors 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost, once soil temperatures have warmed. Space plants 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart in rows 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) apart. When transplanting, carefully loosen the root ball to encourage new root development and plant the seedling so the root ball is slightly below the soil surface.
Soil Requirements
Tangerine Dream peppers thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 5.6 and 7.5 is suitable for pepper growth. For container gardening, use a minimum pot size of 30 cm (approximately 12 inches) in diameter.
Light Needs
These peppers require full sun for a good harvest, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Sunlight is also important for the peppers to develop their vibrant orange color. Growing them in a greenhouse or polytunnel can offer additional protection and warmth.
Watering
Pepper plants require consistent moisture, especially during hot periods. Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Under-watering causes wilting, while over-watering can lead to root issues.
Fertilizing
Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the compost when potting young plants and again when transplanting them. Once plants begin to flower and set fruit, apply a liquid tomato feed regularly. Fertilizing every two weeks supports robust growth and fruit production.
Pest and Disease Management
Pepper plants generally have few major pest problems, though aphids and slugs can be an issue. For aphids, use an appropriate treatment. Copper rings around pots deter slugs. Phytophthora blight can cause plants to wilt; crop rotation and planting in fresh potting mix prevent it.
Harvesting Tangerine Dream Peppers
Tangerine Dream peppers are ready for harvest 70 to 75 days after transplanting. They can be picked when green, but their flavor develops fully and becomes sweeter as they ripen to a bright orange.
To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. This prevents damage to the plant, encouraging continued production throughout the growing season. Freshly harvested peppers can be stored whole and unwashed in a paper or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Culinary Uses for Tangerine Dream Peppers
The sweet, often citrus-forward flavor and mild heat of Tangerine Dream peppers make them versatile in the kitchen. They add a crisp texture and bright taste to fresh salads. These peppers can also be chopped and added to salsas, providing a sweet counterpoint to spicier ingredients.
Beyond fresh applications, Tangerine Dream peppers perform well in cooked dishes. They can be roasted, grilled, or stir-fried, which enhances their natural sweetness. Their size and thick walls make them suitable for stuffing with cheeses or meats and baking. They are also a good choice for pickling, creating a tangy-sweet condiment.