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Mount Washington Arboretum · Baltimore, MD

Pepper

Yellow lunch box

Capsicum annuum

Annual

Care 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

Yellow Lunch Box peppers need warm soil to sprout reliably—aim for 70–85°F, with 80°F being ideal. Seeds typically emerge in 7–14 days under these conditions. They prefer light for germination, so sow them shallowly (about 1/4 inch deep) and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. No pre-treatment is needed, though soaking seeds for a few hours can speed germination 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

These compact plants thrive in full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) and rich, well-draining soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid letting plants dry out completely during fruiting—inconsistent watering can cause blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer once flowering begins, switching to lower nitrogen as fruit sets. Yellow Lunch Box is a naturally bushy dwarf cultivar that rarely needs staking, but supports help if branches become heavy with fruit. Watch for spider mites and aphids in hot, dry conditions; a strong water spray or insecticidal soap handles most infestations.

Harvesting

Pick fruit at the yellow stage for the sweetest, most developed flavor—they're typically ready 60–75 days after transplanting. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season. Use a sharp knife or pruners to avoid damaging the plant. These small peppers store well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or can be frozen whole, dried, or pickled for longer storage.

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