DESCRIPTION
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Giant Marconi Pepper Seed Growth Habits:
How tall do Giant Marconi pepper plants get? Maturing approximately 72 days after transplanting, Giant Marconi hybrid pepper plants grow up to 36" tall and produce smoky-tasting sweet peppers that turn red when fully ripened.
Because the plants are intolerant to frost, Giant Marconi pepper seeds should be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date. To ensure a good yield of peppers, you may want to wait until 2 weeks after your last frost date to transplant the seedlings into the garden, as nighttime temperatures below 60 degrees F can interfere with proper fruit set.
The Giant Marconi pepper prefers at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day as well as evenly moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The hybrid plant offers resistance to tobacco mosaic virus and potato virus Y.
Various Uses for Giant Marconi Sweet Italian Peppers:
The Giant Marconi hybrid pepper is an improved sweet Italian grilling pepper that pairs perfectly with sausage cooked on the grill. The sweet, smoky flavor also makes it a good choice for use as a pizza topping or addition to a green salad. In addition, the long fruit can be cut into strips that are perfect for eating with vegetable dip. The large size of the Giant Marconi pepper makes them a popular choice for stuffed pepper recipes.
Giant Marconi Sweet Pepper Benefits:
Sweet peppers are a low-calorie food rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Red peppers, in particular, are high in vitamin C and beta carotene.
Additional Information:
Pick the peppers often to encourage more fruiting, as the hybrid Giant Marconi sweet pepper plant will continue to produce fruit until the first frost.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Capsicum annuum
|
Pepper Type: |
Sweet - These peppers (think Bell Peppers) are almost all at 0 on the Scoville Scale, meaning that they have no heat at all. A handful of sweet peppers do register very low on the Scoville scale but are still classed as sweet peppers. For example, Pepperoncinis are sweet peppers but usually rank around 100 to 500 on the Scoville Scale. |
Giant Marconi Hybrid Pepper Color: |
Red, Green |
Giant Marconi Hybrid Pepper Flavor: |
Mild, sweet, and smoky |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. |
Days to Maturity: |
72 (from transplant) |
Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
12-18 inches |
Row Spacing: |
24-36 inches |
Plant Height: |
24-30 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Upright |
Soil Preference: |
Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
No |
Start Indoors: |
Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. |
Pepper Pollination: |
Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. |
Plant Width: |
18-24 inches |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Scoville Heat Units: |
0 |
Heat Level: |
Sweet - Peppers with no heat. 0-99 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Bell Peppers |
Growth Speed: |
Early - Ready for harvest around 61 to 75 days from transplant. |
Germination Temperature: |
80-90 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Potato Virus Y and Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
Pepper Use: |
Salad, Stuffing, Topping |