Capsicum 'Sweet Chocolate'

Chocolate Capsicum.JPG
Chocolate Capsicum.JPG
SOLD OUT

Capsicum 'Sweet Chocolate'

A$5.25

Capsicum annuum

Appreciated for its robust, sweet and savoury flavour by the chefs, farmers and growers will appreciate its earliness, heavy fruit set and tolerance to cool nights.

  • Early to mature with good fruit set in cooler climates

  • Meaty capsicum with a robust flavour and rich colour

  • 7.5-10cm slightly tapered fruit

‘Sweet Chocolate’ is a medium sized capsicum with a slightly tapered end that compliments Italian style capsicums. It has a thick wall which peels easily from the 7.5-10cm fruit. We have been impressed with this varieties cold tolerance and earliness to mature – providing some of our first sweet capsicums in early January.

This early bell pepper was bred by Elwyn Meader and introduced by the University of New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station in 1965. The chocolate color skin and the red flesh are beautiful raw in salads and roasted in other dishes.

A very popular variety among home gardeners for their small size, sweet flavor, hardiness, and prolific nature. This bell is a great choice for gardeners with short seasons.

When asked his feelings about obscure and heirloom varieties, Elwyn Meader replied, "I don't like the idea of seedsmen discarding old varieties because of a lack of sales volume.  The loss of genetic diversity isn't healthy.  After all, we're indebted to our ancestors, for the heirloom varieties we have, so I encourage individuals to carry on, growing their own seeds."

Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Organic

SEED COUNT: 25 approx.
Germination: Lot#16070 86% Apr 2024

Add To Cart

Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

Plant Type Site Spacing Height Sowing
Depth
Days to
Germination
Days to
Maturity
Tender
Perennial
Full Sun 30-45cm apart
in rows 60-90cm apart
50cm 6mm 7-10 days
@ 30 degrees
58 days
(Green)

TRANSPLANTS (recommended)- Sow seeds into shallow flats, 4 seeds/2.5cm about 8 weeks prior to transplanting. If possible, maintain soil temperatures at 27-32°C. Capsicum seeds germinate very slowly in cooler soil. When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into 5cm cell-type containers or 10cm pots. Grow plants at approx. 21°C day and 16°C nights. Harden off plants by slightly reducing temperature to 15-18°C and reducing water for 2-3 days before transplanting.

Transplant out after frost when the soil is warm and weather is settled. Ideal seedlings have buds, but no open flowers. Set plants 30-45cm apart in rows 60-90cm apart, or 2 rows with 45cm between plants.

NOTE – 'Days to Maturity' are from transplant to green fruit. Fruit continues to mature on the plant to red, orange, yellow, or chocolate. The flavour also sweetens as the fruit fully matures.