Carmen Peppers

Carmen Pepper (Capsicum annuum) – 4–5 Inch Pot
Available in Jupiter, FL. at Urban Abundance.

Meet one of the sweetest performers in the garden: the Carmen Pepper. This award-winning variety is a favorite among chefs and gardeners for its horn-shaped, Italian-style fruit with exceptionally sweet flavor when fully ripe. A member of the Solanaceae family, Carmen is a warm-season fruiting annual vegetable—perfectly suited for South Florida’s fall and winter growing season.

This compact, early-producing plant is offered in a 4–5 inch pot, ideal for transplanting into containers, raised beds, or mixed edible landscapes.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun—aim for 6–8 hours daily to encourage flowering and fruiting.
Watering Needs: Moderate. Water deeply and regularly while the plant establishes, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Add compost and ensure the pH stays between 6.0 and 7.0.
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy. Grows about 18–24 inches tall—great for containers or tight spaces.
Fruit Timing: Begins producing 60–80 days after transplant. Pick when fruit is glossy green or fully ripened to red for the sweetest flavor.
Cold Tolerance: Not frost-tolerant. Best grown from October through March in South Florida.
Special Features:

• Sweet, thick-walled fruit with excellent roasting and fresh-eating flavor

• All-America Selections winner for flavor and productivity

• Compact size is perfect for patios, balconies, or raised beds

• Heavy yielder with continuous harvests

South Florida Notes: Carmen Peppers are highly reliable in our dry, cooler season. Fewer pests and lower humidity make this the ideal time to enjoy sweet peppers at their peak. Carmen also tolerates the occasional windy day and thrives with consistent feeding and airflow.

Next steps after purchase:

• Transplant into a sunny, well-drained bed or large pot

• Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced organic vegetable fertilizer

• Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds

• Support with a small cage or stake if needed as fruits mature

• Harvest regularly to encourage extended fruiting

This is a warm-season fruiting annual—which means it completes its growing and fruiting cycle in a single season and should be replanted each year for fresh harvests.