Pimento pepper
Ideal for roasting, in dips and combined with olives.
The Pimento pepper (also know as sweet pepper) is very mild.
It is a variety of bell pepper, but sweeter.
This article will cover:
- How to grow pimento peppers at home
- Example pimento pepper recipes
It is very easy to grow and will take about 3 months to grow.
More information in ‘where to buy peppers‘
1. How to grow pimento pepper at home
The pimento pepper can be grown from seed and will ripen from green to a vivid red colour and are somewhat larger than cherries, despite their name.
The peppers prefer warmth & direct sunlight, well drained soil and need to be frost free.
- Days from seed to harvest – about 90 (3 months)
- About 40 to 60 cm high
How to grow in soil
If you want to grow them outdoors then the best option is to start them indoors about 4 to 8 weeks before the last frost and then transfer them when the nights are warmer.
Surface-sow or barely cover the seeds indoors, and keep warm and moist. When sprouts appear move them to a sunny window. Set out well-developed transplants after last frost date when weather is warm. Peppers need rich moist soil and warm sunny conditions to flourish. Best sown in early spring.
Fully grown they can be upto 40 to 60 cm in height i.e. an individual pot might be the best option.
How to grow pimento peppers using hydroponics.
Because of the importance of moisture and light the peppers are ideally suited for hydroponics with additional lights – like the pictured automated hydroponic unit
As they will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.
A key advantage is that it is very easy to grow them, as the system is fully automated and will provide exactly the right amount of water and feed.
However please note they do love sunshine – and a grow light will help.
2. Typical Pimento pepper recipes
Great dipper for dill vegetable dip or with olives. They’re also a wise choice for roasting. Also often used as an ingredient.
Example recipes:
- Pimento Cheese spread
- Southern Pimento Cheese
- Roasted Pimento Peppers
The pimento pepper can be grown from seed and will ripen from green to a vivid red colour and are somewhat larger than cherries, despite their name.
Great flavour when grown fresh, and ideal for summer bbq or outside meals. Not to hard to grow and worth considering if you’ve got enough space.