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By Angela Mason Foster, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your garden. Over the past few weeks, we’ve focused on tomato varieties. This week we turn our attention to peppers. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding enthusiast, choosing the right pepper varieties can make all the difference.

Peppers are not only versatile in the kitchen but also add vibrant colors and flavors to your meals. Plus, they’re relatively easy to grow, making them a favorite for gardeners of all experience levels. This spring, consider planting some of the exceptional varieties available at the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale. Here are five standout peppers to add to your garden:

1. Alliance
If you’re looking for a reliable bell pepper with excellent disease resistance, Alliance is an outstanding choice. This hybrid variety produces glossy, dark-green fruits that mature to a rich red color. The peppers are thick-walled, making them perfect for slicing into salads, stuffing, or roasting. Alliance performs well in various climates and is known for its vigorous growth and high yields. Plant Alliance peppers in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest.

2. Escamillo
Escamillo is a beautiful Italian-style sweet pepper that combines stunning looks with exceptional flavor. Its long, tapered fruits are a golden-yellow hue, ripening from green to a rich gold. These peppers are perfect for grilling, roasting, or enjoying raw in salads. Escamillo plants are highly productive and thrive in both garden beds and containers. Their sweet and smoky flavor profile adds depth to dishes, making them a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike. If you’re seeking a unique yet easy-to-grow pepper, Escamillo is an excellent pick.

3. Carmen
Another Italian-style sweet pepper, Carmen, is known for its rich red fruits and sweet flavor. This award-winning variety is a gardener’s favorite for its reliability and productivity. Carmen’s peppers are slightly curved and ideal for roasting, grilling, or adding to sautéed dishes. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with a relatively short growing period, making it perfect for gardeners who want quick results. Carmen’s sweet flavor intensifies as the fruits ripen, so don’t rush the harvest—let the peppers turn fully red for the best taste.

4. Goliath Jalapeño
For those who love a little heat, the Goliath Jalapeño is a must-have. As the name suggests, this variety produces jumbo-sized jalapeños that pack all the flavor of traditional jalapeños but with larger fruits. Goliath Jalapeños are great for stuffing, grilling, or making homemade poppers. The plants are robust and high-yielding, producing peppers with a slightly milder heat than some standard jalapeño varieties, making them perfect for those who enjoy spice but prefer a less intense kick. Plant them in full sun and give them room to grow for a spicy summer harvest.

5. Early Jalapeño
If you can’t wait for jalapeños, the Early Jalapeño is the variety for you. This compact plant is perfect for small gardens or container gardening and produces peppers earlier in the season than other varieties. The fruits are smaller than the Goliath Jalapeño but pack the same heat and flavor. Early Jalapeños are ideal for salsas, pickling, or adding a spicy kick to your favorite dishes. They’re also highly productive and relatively easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginners. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and consistent watering for a plentiful harvest.

Tips for growing peppers successfully
To get the most out of your pepper plants, keep these tips in mind:
Choose the right location: Peppers thrive in full sun and need at least six-eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Select a location with well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.

Prepare the soil: Before planting, enrich your soil with compost or organic matter. Peppers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Water wisely: While peppers need consistent moisture, overwatering can lead to root rot. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Provide support: Some varieties, especially larger-fruited ones like Alliance and Goliath Jalapeño, may benefit from staking or caging to support their heavy fruits.

Fertilize carefully: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage at the expense of fruit production.

Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed to protect your plants.

Recommended reads for pepper enthusiasts
“Peppers: The Domesticated Capsicums” by Jean Andrews
This comprehensive book explores the history, varieties, and cultivation of peppers, making it a must-read for pepper enthusiasts.
“Growing Peppers: A Complete Guide on How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Peppers” by Jason Johns
Perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, this book provides detailed instructions on growing and caring for peppers, including tips on maximizing yields.

Visit the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer plant sale
By planting these exceptional pepper varieties, you can enjoy a colorful, flavorful harvest while supporting the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program. The plant sale features high-quality, locally adapted plants grown with care by expert gardeners.

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale on Saturday, April 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Beaufort County Extension Center, 155A Airport Rd, Washington, NC 27889. Volunteers will be on-site to answer questions and provide gardening tips to help you grow a successful and bountiful garden. Don’t miss the opportunity to stock your garden with these top-tier peppers and get advice from experienced volunteers. Whether you’re growing peppers for the first time or adding new varieties to your garden, these peppers are sure to delight. Happy gardening!

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, contact Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252)
946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs.

Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.