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Sweet Pepper 'Cubanelle'

Capsicum annuum 'Cubanelle'

Often called the 'Italian Frying Pepper,' this sweet, thin-walled variety is prized for its exceptional flavor and tender texture that makes it perfect for quick cooking. Popular in Caribbean and Italian cuisine, Cubanelle peppers offer a mild, sweet taste with just a hint of heat that appeals to all palates. Their elongated shape and vibrant color make them as beautiful in the garden as they are delicious on the plate.

Harvest

60-70d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Sweet Pepper 'Cubanelle' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Sweet Pepper 'Cubanelle' · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-20 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter

pH6.0-6.8

Water1-1.5 inches per week, even moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorVery mild and sweet with almost no heat (0-1,000 Scoville), crisp when fresh

ColorLight green to yellow-green, ripening to red

Size4-6 inches long, 2 inches wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – May	July – August	—	September – August
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	—	September – September
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	—	April – June
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	—	April – June
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	—	April – June
Zone 3	April – April	June – July	—	August – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	—	August – October
Zone 5	March – March	May – June	—	August – October
Zone 6	March – March	May – June	—	July – September
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
Zone 8	February – February	April – May	—	June – August
Zone 9	January – January	March – April	—	May – July
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	—	May – July

Complete Growing Guide

Cubanelle peppers mature quickly at 60-70 days, allowing for succession planting every two weeks in warm climates to ensure continuous harvests through the season. These thin-walled peppers demand consistent warmth—soil temperatures between 70-85°F—and will slow dramatically if temperatures drop below 60°F, so avoid early planting. Unlike thicker-walled bell pepper varieties, Cubanelles are prone to sunscald and cracking during extreme heat or irregular watering, making mulching and consistent moisture essential. They're relatively pest-resistant but watch for spider mites in hot, dry conditions, which can stress the tender foliage. The compact 1-3 foot plants tend toward leggy growth in insufficient light, so provide full sun (6-8 hours minimum) and pinch young growth once to encourage bushier development. A practical tip: harvest peppers when they're still firm and green rather than waiting for full color development; this encourages more prolific fruiting throughout the season.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 8 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Cubanelle peppers reach peak harvest readiness when they develop their characteristic vibrant red or golden-yellow color and reach four to six inches in length, with skin that yields slightly to gentle pressure but remains firm. Begin harvesting when peppers are still tender and glossy, before the walls become too thick, as this cultivar's appeal lies in its delicate texture ideal for frying. Practice continuous harvesting by picking mature peppers regularly rather than waiting for all fruits to ripen simultaneously; this encourages the plant to produce additional blooms and extend your harvest through the season. A useful timing tip: harvest in early morning when peppers are fully hydrated and crisp, which maximizes their tender quality and ensures the best flavor for cooking.

Fruits are a non-pulpy berry and vary considerably across cultivars. Some are long, thin, bright red, and spicy; others are thick, large, and sweet-tasting; others still are small and in ornamental shapes and colors, grown as decoration.

Color: Black, Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Summer

Edibility: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Storage & Preservation

Store freshly harvested Cubanelle peppers in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer at 45–50°F with 90–95% humidity, where they'll keep for two to three weeks. For longer storage, freezing works exceptionally well: simply dice or slice the peppers raw, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for up to eight months. Roasting and freezing intensifies their natural sweetness and works beautifully for later use in soups and stews. Canning in a vinegar-based brine preserves their mild flavor and crisp texture, while dehydration concentrates sweetness for snacking or grinding into powder. These thin-walled peppers dry quickly compared to thicker varieties, typically in 6–8 hours at 135°F. Their delicate skin makes them particularly prone to shriveling during storage, so harvest at peak ripeness when the pepper walls are still firm.

History & Origin

The Cubanelle pepper's exact origins remain somewhat obscure in formal horticultural records, though its name and popularity suggest Caribbean roots, particularly Cuba. This variety belongs to the broader Capsicum annuum lineage and appears to have emerged through traditional cultivation practices in Caribbean and Mediterranean regions rather than formal breeding programs. Italian and Cuban communities likely selected and perpetuated these thin-walled peppers for their superior flavor and cooking qualities, making them a heritage variety refined through generations of seed-saving. While specific breeder documentation is limited, the Cubanelle's presence across American seed catalogs by the mid-twentieth century indicates its establishment as a recognized commercial variety by that period.

Origin: Tropical North and South America

Advantages

+Exceptionally mild and sweet flavor makes Cubanelle ideal for all palates
+Thin-walled design enables quick, even cooking in frying applications
+Matures quickly at 60-70 days with reliable production
+Elongated shape and vibrant color provide outstanding ornamental garden appeal
+Very easy to grow, suitable for beginner gardeners

Considerations

-Vulnerable to multiple serious diseases including bacterial spot and phytophthora blight
-Attracts multiple pest species that require consistent monitoring and management
-Thin walls make peppers more susceptible to sunscald and environmental stress

Companion Plants

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) and nasturtiums both earn space in the pepper bed for different reasons — marigolds suppress soil nematodes at the root level, while nasturtiums take the hit for aphids, drawing colonies away from your Cubanelles before they vector pepper mottle virus. Basil is fine nearby and convenient at harvest, but don't count on it to do much pest-wise. Fennel is allelopathic and will stunt peppers planted within a few feet, so keep it on the far end of the garden. One practical note from NC State Extension: hot peppers planted within pollinator range of sweet peppers can cross-pollinate, and since the capsaicin gene is dominant, a Cubanelle that gets crossed can taste noticeably hot — so if you're growing both, give them 300+ feet of separation or cage the blossoms.

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling whiteflies

Basil

Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving pepper flavor

Tomatoes

Share similar growing conditions and can help shade pepper roots from intense sun

Marigolds

Repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects

Oregano

Deters pests like aphids and spider mites with strong aromatic compounds

Carrots

Help break up soil for pepper roots and don't compete for nutrients

Onions

Repel aphids, cutworms, and other pests that commonly attack peppers

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control pepper pests

Keep Apart

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit pepper growth and development

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that severely stunts or kills pepper plants

Brassicas

Compete heavily for nutrients and may stunt pepper growth through root competition

Nutrition Facts

Calories

27kcal(1%)

Protein

1.66g(3%)

Fiber

3.4g(12%)

Carbs

5.35g(2%)

Fat

0.45g(1%)

Vitamin C

82.7mg(92%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Vitamin K

9.5mcg(8%)

Iron

0.46mg(3%)

Calcium

14mg(1%)

Potassium

256mg(5%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169394)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance to common pepper diseases

Common Pests

Aphids, pepper weevil, European corn borer, flea beetles

Diseases

Bacterial spot, phytophthora blight, pepper mottle virus

Troubleshooting Sweet Pepper 'Cubanelle'

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Sunken, leathery, pale or dark patches on the bottom or side of the fruit — fruit still on the plant

Likely Causes

Blossom end rot — localized calcium deficiency in the developing fruit
Uneven watering or drought stress preventing calcium uptake
High ammonium-nitrogen fertilizer blocking calcium movement

What to Do

1.Water consistently — 1 to 1.5 inches per week — and mulch heavily before dry spells hit, ideally by the time plants are blooming (UGA Extension recommends applying mulch before dry spells but after plants are well established)
2.Test soil pH; calcium uptake drops below pH 6.0, so lime if needed to stay in the 6.0–6.8 range
3.Ease off high-nitrogen synthetic fertilizers mid-season; switch to a balanced or low-ammonium source

Leaves mottled yellow-green, puckered, or streaked; plants stunted with no obvious pest present

Likely Causes

Pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) — transmitted by aphids feeding on infected plants nearby
Aphid pressure from dense plantings or weedy borders

What to Do

1.Inspect the undersides of leaves for aphid colonies and knock them off with a firm stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap
2.Pull and bag any plant showing severe mosaic symptoms — there's no cure once the virus is systemic
3.Cut back weeds and grass around the bed; they harbor the aphid populations that carry the disease from plant to plant

Dark, water-soaked spots on leaves and stems that spread fast; stems may collapse at or near the soil line

Likely Causes

Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) — a water mold that thrives in wet, poorly drained soil
Planting peppers in the same bed as other nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes) season after season

What to Do

1.Remove and trash affected plant material immediately — do not compost it
2.Improve drainage; raised beds or hilled rows reduce standing water at the crown
3.Rotate nightshades out of the affected bed for at least 2 seasons; NC State Extension notes that cycling through non-host families, including legumes, helps break soilborne disease cycles

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Cubanelle pepper take to grow from seed?▼

Cubanelle peppers take 60-70 days from transplant to first harvest, plus 8-10 weeks for indoor seed starting. In total, expect about 115-140 days from seed to harvest. Starting indoors is essential in most climates since these warm-season crops need consistent temperatures above 60°F to thrive and produce well.

Can you grow Cubanelle peppers in containers?▼

Yes, Cubanelle peppers grow excellently in containers. Use pots at least 18 inches wide and deep with drainage holes. The compact plants adapt well to container life but need sturdy staking due to heavy fruit production. Consistent watering is crucial as containers dry out faster, and the thin-walled fruits are sensitive to moisture stress.

What does Cubanelle pepper taste like compared to bell pepper?▼

Cubanelle peppers offer a sweeter, more complex flavor than bell peppers with just a hint of mild heat (0-1,000 Scoville). They're less crunchy and more tender than bells, with thinner walls that cook faster. The flavor is distinctly 'peppery' but without overwhelming heat, making them ideal for those who want pepper flavor without spiciness.

When should I plant Cubanelle pepper seeds?▼

Start Cubanelle seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. In most areas, this means starting seeds in February or March for May transplanting. Don't rush outdoor planting — wait until soil temperature reaches 60°F and nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 55°F, or plants will be stunted.

Is Cubanelle pepper good for beginners?▼

Yes, Cubanelle peppers are excellent for beginning gardeners. They're more disease-resistant than many pepper varieties, produce prolifically with basic care, and are forgiving of minor growing mistakes. The main requirements are warm soil, consistent watering, and support for the fruit-laden branches — all manageable tasks for new gardeners.

Cubanelle vs banana pepper — what's the difference?▼

While both are mild, pale-colored peppers, Cubanelles are typically larger (4-6 inches vs 2-3 inches), have a more complex sweet flavor, and thicker flesh than banana peppers. Cubanelles are better for cooking and frying, while banana peppers are more commonly used for pickling. Cubanelles also tend to be more productive and disease-resistant in the garden.