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Growing Cubanella Hybrid Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Begin your peppers in late winter or early spring. Sweet Cubanella Hybrid peppers, like most peppers, require a warm start. If you're in a cooler climate, start your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Fill small pots or seed trays with a high-quality seed starting mix, such as coconut coir. Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and lightly water them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of 70-85 F (21-29 C). This warmth is crucial for germination, so consider using a heat mat if your home is on the cooler side.
Once your seedlings have sprouted and have a couple of true leaves (these come after the initial sprout leaves), they're to prepare for transplantation. This usually happens around 6-8 weeks after sowing. Before moving them outdoors, they need to get used to the harsher conditions through a process called "hardening off." Over 1-2 weeks, gradually increase their outdoor exposure. Keep them indoors if temperatures dip below 50 F. After this, plant them in a sunny spot in your garden or in large pots with well-draining soil. Space them about 18-24 inches apart to give each plant room to spread out.
Sweet Cubanella Hybrid peppers thrive in sunlight, so choose a spot that receives at least 8 hours of direct sun daily. Regular watering is key, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. A drip irrigation system or a soaker hose can be a great investment here, providing gentle, consistent moisture directly to the roots and reducing water waste.
Companion planting can enhance growth and protect your peppers. Basil, for example, repels pests and can improve the flavor of your peppers. Other good companions include onions, spinach, and carrots. Avoid planting them near fennel or kohlrabi, as they might slow pepper growth.
Sweet Cubanella Hybrid peppers prefer a steady supply of nutrients. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting and again mid-season can support healthy growth. Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Pruning your Cubanella pepper plants is optional but can lead to larger fruits and a higher yield. To prune, simply remove any lower branches that touch the ground to prevent disease. Additionally, snipping off the top of the plant when it reaches about 12 inches tall can encourage more side growth and, consequently, more peppers.
Harvesting Cubanella Hybrid Peppers
Cubanella was bred to be able to be harvested at its green, orange, or red stages. Just wait until it is its mature size of 2 inches wide, typically 60-69 days after transplanting, to get the best texture and flavor. Gently twist the pepper off the plant or use a sharp knife to cut it, leaving a short stub of stem attached. Harvesting regularly encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
About Cubanella Hybrid Pepper Garden Seeds
Cubanella Hybrid peppers have thin walls, and although they might appear menacing, they have zero heat (0 Scoville Heat Units) and are commonly made into pesto!
This hybrid variety is designed for robustness and resistance to common pepper ailments, contributing to a reliable and bountiful harvest. The plants are vigorous growers and can adapt to a variety of climates, although they thrive in warmer conditions with plenty of sunlight. Gardeners appreciate the Cubanella Hybrid for its relatively early maturity compared to some pepper varieties, allowing for an earlier taste of summer’s bounty.
In the kitchen, the Cubanella Hybrid pepper's sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile makes it a fantastic choice for both raw and cooked dishes. It can be sliced into salads, sandwiches, and salsas to add a crisp texture and a pop of color. When cooked, it softens beautifully and is perfect for stir-fries, grilling, stuffing, or roasting, melding wonderfully with a variety of spices and ingredients.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"As a horticulturist, I recommend visiting a local garden center to get any last-minute supplies or advice. Employees of smaller, local businesses are generally better trained and more knowledgeable. On the other hand, big box stores will employ anyone who will work, with or without knowledge!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Cubanella Hybrid Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 40 Seeds
- .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 14,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Cubanella Hybrid Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.