The Cubanelle pepper, often called the Italian frying pepper, is a mild and sweet variety popular in both Italian and Cuban cuisines. With a very low Scoville Heat Unit rating, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000, it provides a gentle, fruity flavor rather than heat. Its slender, tapered shape and thin walls make it perfect for quick cooking methods like sautéing and frying. This high-yielding pepper is a rewarding addition to any home garden.
Starting Seeds and Seedling Care
Starting Cubanelle seeds indoors gives the plants a necessary head start, as they require a long, warm growing season. Sow the seeds approximately eight to ten weeks before your area’s last expected spring frost date. Successful germination relies on maintaining a consistent soil temperature between 75°F and 85°F.
Using a specialized heat mat is often the most effective way to provide this bottom warmth, encouraging germination that usually takes 7 to 14 days. Plant the seeds about one-quarter inch deep in small containers filled with a sterile, fine-textured seed-starting mix. Once the seedlings emerge, they require 16 hours of bright light daily, typically provided by grow lights, to prevent them from becoming leggy.
Before transplanting outdoors, the young plants must undergo a one-to-two-week process called “hardening off” to acclimate them to harsher outdoor conditions. Begin by placing the seedlings outside in a shaded, sheltered location for just one hour a day. Gradually increase the daily exposure time and introduce them to direct sunlight and gentle breezes over the following week.
This gradual introduction toughens the plant cell walls, preparing the foliage for the intense sun and wind of the garden. If outdoor temperatures drop below 55°F at night, bring the plants back inside to protect them from cold shock. After this hardening period, the Cubanelle seedlings are ready for their permanent outdoor home.
Site Selection and Transplanting Outdoors
The successful transition of Cubanelle seedlings depends on selecting a location that meets their warm-weather requirements. Choose a spot that receives full sun, meaning a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining, as soggy conditions can quickly lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
Prior to planting, enrich the garden bed by incorporating several inches of well-aged compost or other organic matter into the top few inches of soil. Cubanelle peppers thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Wait until the danger of all frost has completely passed and the ground temperature is reliably at least 60°F before planting.
When setting the plants into the garden, space them approximately 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and sufficient room for root development. Plant the seedlings slightly deeper than they were in their containers, which encourages new roots to form along the buried section of the stem. Immediately after transplanting, water the plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and minimize transplant shock.
Ongoing Care and Season Maintenance
Consistent watering is necessary for Cubanelle peppers, especially during periods of high heat or when the plants are setting fruit. Rather than frequent, shallow watering, aim for deep and thorough irrigation when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering deeply encourages the development of a robust root system.
Apply water directly at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which prevents common fungal issues like leaf spot and blight. The fertilization schedule needs to be adjusted as the plant matures. Initially, use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote leaf and stem development without sacrificing fruit production.
Once the plants begin to flower and set fruit, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to support bloom and fruit development. Over-fertilizing with too much nitrogen at this stage can result in lush, leafy plants with few peppers. Applying a fertilizer with a ratio like 5-10-10 or similar formulations every few weeks helps sustain the heavy production cycle.
Common garden pests, such as aphids, can be managed by regularly inspecting the underside of leaves and treating infestations early. As the Cubanelle plants mature and become heavy with developing fruit, their branches can become fragile and prone to breaking. Installing stakes or small tomato cages provides the necessary structural support to keep the branches intact and the peppers off the ground.
Harvesting Your Cubanelle Peppers
Cubanelle peppers are ready for harvest approximately 60 to 70 days after transplanting. They are typically picked when they have reached a usable size, about six inches long, and are a vibrant light green or yellowish color. Harvesting the peppers at this stage encourages the plant to produce more fruit throughout the season.
While you can enjoy the peppers when they are green, leaving them on the plant allows them to fully ripen to a deep orange or red hue. Fully ripened peppers are sweeter and possess a deeper, more concentrated flavor. Use sharp shears or a knife to cut the pepper from the plant, leaving a small piece of stem attached.
Avoid pulling or twisting the peppers by hand, as this can easily damage the brittle branches. Once harvested, Cubanelle peppers can be stored unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to two weeks.