How to Grow Cubanelle Peppers: Tips, Advice, and Fascinating Facts

Cubanelle peppers, often referred to as “Italian frying peppers,” are popular for their mild flavor, thin walls, and versatility in cooking. Whether roasted, fried, or used fresh in salads, these peppers are a staple in many kitchens, particularly in Italian and Caribbean cuisines. Growing Cubanelle peppers is easy and rewarding, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Here’s your complete guide to growing Cubanelle peppers, with fascinating facts and answers to common questions.

1. Choose the Right Variety

Cubanelle peppers come in a few varieties, but they generally have similar characteristics. Here’s what to look for:

Traditional Cubanelle: This variety is known for its mild heat and slightly sweet flavor. The peppers are usually light green when young and turn red, orange, or yellow when fully mature.
Hybrid Cubanelle Varieties: Some hybrid varieties have been bred for better disease resistance and higher yields but still maintain the traditional flavor and shape of Cubanelle peppers.

2. Start Seeds Indoors

Cubanelle peppers need a long growing season, so it’s best to start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Here’s how to begin:

Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining seed-starting mix.
Temperature: Keep the soil temperature between 70-80°F for optimal germination, which typically takes 10-14 days.
Light: Seedlings need 12-16 hours of light per day, so place them under grow lights or in a sunny window for the best results.

3. Transplanting Outdoors

Once the seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and the danger of frost has passed, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden:

Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day for a week.
Location: Cubanelle peppers need full sun, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil will help improve fertility and drainage.

4. Spacing and Support

Cubanelle peppers are relatively compact, but proper spacing is essential for healthy growth:

Spacing: Plant Cubanelle peppers about 18-24 inches apart to allow for good airflow and ample space for the plants to grow.
Support: While Cubanelle peppers don’t usually require heavy support, using stakes or small cages can help keep the plants upright, especially as they begin to bear fruit.

5. Consistent Watering

Watering your Cubanelle peppers regularly ensures healthy growth and good yields:

Watering Schedule: Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as peppers don’t like soggy soil.
Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.

6. Fertilizing for Growth

Fertilizing Cubanelle peppers promotes strong growth and abundant fruit production:

Initial Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) when transplanting the seedlings into the garden.
Ongoing Fertilization: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize with nitrogen, as this can lead to lush foliage but fewer peppers.

7. Pests and Diseases

Cubanelle peppers are relatively hardy but can still be affected by pests and diseases. Here’s how to protect them:

Common Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
Diseases: Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can affect Cubanelle peppers, especially in humid or overwatered conditions. To prevent these, ensure proper plant spacing for airflow and water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry.

8. Harvesting Cubanelle Peppers

Cubanelle peppers can be harvested at different stages of ripeness, depending on your preference:

When to Harvest: Cubanelle peppers can be harvested when they are light green for a milder flavor, typically about 60-70 days after transplanting. If left on the plant longer, they will turn red, orange, or yellow, developing a sweeter taste.
How to Harvest: Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.

9. Cooking and Storing Cubanelle Peppers

Cubanelle peppers are versatile in the kitchen and can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use:

Cooking: Cubanelle peppers are often roasted, sautéed, or fried and used in a variety of dishes like stir-fries, sandwiches, and pizzas. Their thin walls and sweet flavor make them perfect for stuffing or grilling.
Storing: Fresh Cubanelle peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have a surplus, you can freeze or pickle them to enjoy later.

Fascinating Facts About Cubanelle Peppers

Scoville Rating: Cubanelle peppers are mild, typically measuring between 100 and 1,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making them much milder than jalapeños.
Culinary Popularity: Cubanelle peppers are a favorite in Italian and Caribbean cuisines, often used in dishes like sofrito, salads, and pizza toppings.
Thin Walls: Unlike bell peppers, Cubanelle peppers have thinner walls, which allows them to cook more quickly and makes them ideal for frying or stuffing.
Vibrant Colors: While usually harvested when green, Cubanelle peppers can ripen to beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding both color and sweetness to dishes.

Common Questions About Growing Cubanelle Peppers

Q: Why are my Cubanelle peppers not turning red?
A: Cubanelle peppers start off green and will turn red, orange, or yellow as they fully ripen. If your peppers are staying green, they may need more time to mature. Make sure the plants are getting enough sunlight, and avoid overwatering, which can delay ripening.

Q: How long does it take for Cubanelle peppers to mature?
A: Cubanelle peppers typically take 60-70 days to mature from transplanting when harvested green. They can be left on the plant longer to ripen fully to red, orange, or yellow.

Q: Can I grow Cubanelle peppers in containers?
A: Yes, Cubanelle peppers can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 5 gallons in size and have good drainage. Place the container in a sunny location, and water regularly, as container-grown plants tend to dry out faster.

Q: Should I prune my Cubanelle pepper plants?
A: Pruning is not required but can help improve airflow and light penetration, which can lead to healthier plants and bigger yields. Removing dead or damaged leaves can also encourage new growth.

Q: How do I store Cubanelle peppers for later use?
A: Fresh Cubanelle peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze or pickle them for longer storage, preserving their flavor and texture for future use.

Find out more facts about different peppers here