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.