Pepper
Red lunch box
Capsicum annuum
AnnualCare at a glance
☀️ LightFull sun (8 hrs)
💧 WaterDeep, consistent; 1–1.5 inches/week
📅 Days to maturity70–90
🌀 LifecycleAnnual
🗺 Hardiness zoneAnnual (frost-sensitive)
🌡 Temperature60°F – 90°F
↕ Height18–36"
↔ Spread18–24"
📏 Spacing18" apart
Soil
pH: 6.0–6.8 · Rich, warm, well-drained
Nutrients & Fertilizing
Balanced; high K at fruiting; avoid excess N
Baltimore Planting Windows
Based on last frost ~May 1, first frost ~Oct 31 (Zone 7a)
🪴 Transplant out (spring)May 15 – Jun 1
About this plant
'Lunchbox' plants produce a large crop of brightly colored, miniature Peppers. Great choice for limited-space gardens or containers.
Germination
Red Lunch Box peppers need warm soil to germinate well—aim for 70–85°F, ideally around 80°F. Seeds typically sprout in 7–14 days under these conditions. They prefer light for germination, so sow seeds shallowly and don't cover them completely. No special pre-treatment is needed, though soaking seeds for a few hours can speed things up slightly.
How to plant
Peppers need warm soil to germinate — at least 80F. Cover with 1/4" of finely sifted soil. Minimum temperatures at night should be no less than 60F.
Growing tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; peppers dislike both drought and soggy roots. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer once plants are established, or use a slow-release option at planting. These compact plants rarely need staking. Watch for aphids and spider mites in dry conditions—spray with water or insecticidal soap if needed. Blossom-end rot signals calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering; prevent it by mulching and maintaining even moisture.
Harvesting
Red Lunch Box peppers are ready 60–75 days after transplanting. Harvest when fully red and glossy for sweetest flavor, though they're edible at the green stage if you prefer. Pick peppers regularly to encourage more fruit production. Store ripe peppers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them whole or sliced for longer storage.
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