Solar Flare Pepper
Capsicum annuum

Days to Maturity: 55 green; 75 orange ripe
Plant Spacing: 1 Plant per Square Foot
Sunlight Requirement: 6 - 14 Hours
Look out for: White Fly & Spider Mites
Harvest Notes: Pick peppers green at full size, or orange
Seasons: fall, winter, spring
Annual

The Solar Flare Pepper is a sweet bell pepper variety known for its productivity and reliability in warm climates. Last season French Farms got seeds from Commonwealth Seed Growers and the plants did very well so this will be our first year offering this variety to home gardeners. Plants are compact yet vigorous, producing thick-walled fruits that start out green and ripen to a deep red with attractive streaks of orange. The flavor is crisp and sweet, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, roasting, or cooking. To grow Solar Flare successfully here, it’s best to start plants in fall or winter, but peppers are technically perennial so they can be planted almost year round. The plants need full sun, fertile and well-drained soil, and regular watering to keep yields high—uneven moisture can cause blossom drop or misshapen fruit. A layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Because the peppers are heavy for their size, light staking or a tomato cage can help support the plant once it’s loaded with fruit. In the kitchen, Solar Flare shines as a versatile sweet pepper. Its thick flesh makes it perfect for stuffing or roasting, while its sweetness stands out when eaten raw in salads or sliced for snacking.