Jupiter Sweet Pepper Seeds - (Capsicum annuum)

Jupiter Sweet Pepper - Big Sweet Flavor, Big Yields

The scent of a roasting Jupiter Sweet Pepper is intoxicating – sweet and slightly smoky, a hint of the mouthwatering delight that awaits. These peppers are more than just a vegetable; they are the culmination of careful efforts by plant breeders who sought to create the biggest, most flavorful fruit while ensuring it could thrive even in challenging heat. And the result? Biting into those thick walls releases a burst of sweetness, an intense, almost candy-like flavor. This exceptional sweet pepper is also a reliable, vigorous grower that will thrive even in smaller gardens or containers. You’ll appreciate the satisfying weight of these plump, glossy peppers, heavy with sweetness, ready to be stuffed, roasted, or simply enjoyed fresh from the vine.

Details

The Jupiter Sweet Pepper is a warm-season annual that thrives in full sun, reliably producing abundant harvests. Reaching 3-5 feet tall, its bushy, upright growth habit and wide, dark green canopy of elongated oval leaves with pointed tips provide excellent sun protection for the developing fruit.

Each pepper, averaging 6 ounces and measuring approximately 4 inches long and wide, has a smooth, glossy, rich red skin when fully ripe. The Jupiter's standout feature is its remarkably thick walls, a characteristic that makes it perfect for cooking. 

Expect your first pick from transplanting in about 75-80 days. While this pepper thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-12, remember it's an annual and won't survive a frost. It is resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), a common pepper disease that can cause stunted growth and mottled leaves. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil amended with compost or aged manure. The plants need full sun - at least 6-8 hours daily - and consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, but avoid overwatering. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay. Space your plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure good airflow. This adaptable variety can set fruit under varying climatic conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in many different regions.

History

Dr. Thomas Williams developed the Jupiter Sweet Pepper at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), officially introduced in 1982. This wasn't just any new pepper; it resulted from a dedicated effort to create a disease-resistant, high-yielding cultivar ideally suited to Florida's challenging subtropical climate. Dr. Williams and his team focused on several key objectives: resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), a devastating disease for pepper crops; adaptability to the heat and humidity of Florida; exceptional fruit quality, including the classic blocky, four-lobed shape, thick walls, consistent form, and that beautiful transition from green to vibrant red; and, of course, high yields for both commercial growers and home gardeners.

Using traditional cross-pollination methods, the breeders carefully combined desirable traits from parent lines, likely involving multiple generations of selection to stabilize TMV resistance and those prized fruit characteristics. The 1982 release through UF/IFAS was accompanied by promotional materials highlighting its suitability for southeastern growing regions. Soon, prominent seed companies like Burpee and Harris Seeds recognized Jupiter's potential and included it in their catalogs, marketing it as a robust and flavorful variety for a wide range of growers.

The Jupiter pepper quickly gained popularity in Florida and other warm climates, prized for its reliability and consistent performance. Its TMV resistance proved a game-changer, significantly reducing crop losses and benefiting home and commercial growers immensely. The pepper also earned academic recognition and has been cited in UF/IFAS publications and horticultural journals as a shining example of successful public-sector plant breeding. While newer pepper varieties have emerged since, Jupiter remains a benchmark thanks to its exceptional disease resistance, adaptability, and enduring appeal in pepper breeding programs.

Uses

Beyond their vibrant color and impressive size, these peppers have a delightful sweetness and versatility in the kitchen. Enjoy them fresh in salads or sliced with your favorite dips. Their thick walls allow the peppers to hold their shape when stuffed with your favorite savory fillings like rice, ground meat, vegetables, and cheese and slow-roasted. They are ideal for roasting alongside other vegetables, adding a touch of sweetness and substance to any dish.  Or try them sautéed in stir-fries or added to pasta sauces for a pop of fresh flavor. And don't forget, they freeze beautifully, allowing you to savor their sweetness long after the growing season ends.

Companion Planting

Some beneficial pairings for Jupiter sweet peppers include basil, chives, carrots, onions, marigolds, nasturtiums, and spinach. Basil repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while enhancing peppers' flavor. Chives deter aphids and other insects. Carrots provide a living mulch, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects. Onions repel aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms. Marigolds deter nematodes and other pests while attracting beneficial insects. Nasturtiums attract aphids away from peppers and add edible flowers to your garden. Spinach suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and attracts beneficial insects.

Plants to avoid growing near the Jupiter peppers include fennel and brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage). Fennel inhibits pepper growth and attracts aphids, while brassicas compete for nutrients and attract pests.

Harvest Tips

Jupiter peppers can be harvested when green and firm, but they will be sweeter and more flavorful when allowed to ripen to their full red color. Use a knife or pruning shears to harvest the peppers to avoid damaging the plant. The best time of day to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Harvesting when the fruit is dry helps prevent rotting issues during storage. 

Learn More

• Growing Peppers 101
• Chile and Pepper Growing Tips
• Grow Better Peppers with Shade
• Growing Quality Heirloom Chiles

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