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Sweet Pepper 'Jimmy Nardello's'

Capsicum annuum 'Jimmy Nardello'

An extraordinary Italian heirloom sweet pepper brought to America in 1887 and saved from extinction by the Nardello family for over a century. These long, curved peppers are incredibly sweet and develop an almost candy-like flavor when cooked, making them absolutely irresistible in Italian dishes. The thin skin doesn't require peeling, and they're perfect for frying, where they become tender and intensely flavorful.

Harvest

80-90d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Blossom-End Rot of Tomato

☀️

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 'Jimmy Nardello's' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Sweet Pepper 'Jimmy Nardello's' · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorExceptionally sweet with fruity notes, no heat

ColorBright red when mature

Size6-10 inches long, 1-1.5 inches wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

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

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Water: KAP-sih-kum AN-yoo-um. 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: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

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: 'Aurora', 'Basket of Fire', 'Black Pearl', 'Buena Mulata', 'Calico', 'California Wonder', 'Candelabra', Cerasiforme Group, 'Chilly Chili', Conioides Group, 'Early Jalapeno', Fasciculatum Group, Grossum Group, 'Hot Returns', Longum Group, 'Mad Hatter', 'Purple Flash', 'Sweet orange', 'Sweet Sunset'. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Good Dried, Showy

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

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

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Jimmy Nardello peppers store best at room temperature for 3-5 days, developing even more concentrated sweetness as they slightly dehydrate. For longer storage, refrigerate unwashed peppers in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer for up to 2 weeks.

These thin-walled peppers excel at preservation. Freeze whole peppers directly in freezer bags – their thin skins don't require blanching and they maintain excellent texture for cooking. For drying, thread whole peppers on strings and hang in a warm, dry location with good air circulation, or use a dehydrator at 125°F until leathery.

Jimmy Nardellos are perfect for making Italian-style pepper preserves in olive oil. Simply char the skins over flame, place in olive oil with garlic and herbs, then process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes. Their sweet flavor also makes exceptional pepper jellies and hot pepper vinegars for winter use.

History & Origin

Origin: Tropical North and South America

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Heat
+Attracts: Songbirds
+Wildlife value: Birds are immune to the capsaicin in peppers and can safely eat the fruits with no ill effects. Therefore, these plants may attract birds. Host plant for Potato Tuber Moth.
+Edible: Fruits edible, but spiciness is unpredictable in intensity.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

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

Tomatoes

Share similar growing conditions and can be trellised together efficiently

Oregano

Deters pests like aphids and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Marigolds

Repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with their strong scent

Onions

Deter aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects that attack peppers

Carrots

Improve soil structure and don't compete for nutrients or space

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Release juglone toxin that stunts pepper growth and can kill plants

Fennel

Inhibits growth through allelopathic compounds and attracts harmful insects

Brassicas

Compete heavily for nutrients and may stunt pepper development

Apricot Trees

Can harbor verticillium wilt which spreads to peppers through soil

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 disease resistance typical of heirlooms

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, pepper weevils, hornworms

Diseases

Bacterial spot, anthracnose, mosaic viruses

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Jimmy Nardello pepper take to grow from seed?▼

Jimmy Nardello peppers take 170-180 days from seed to harvest, including 8-10 weeks of indoor seed starting plus 80-90 days in the garden. Start seeds indoors in late winter for transplanting after last frost. The long season is essential for developing their legendary sweetness, so don't rush the process.

Can you grow Jimmy Nardello peppers in containers?▼

Yes, Jimmy Nardello peppers grow well in large containers of at least 5 gallons with drainage holes. Use quality potting mix and place containers in full sun locations. Provide sturdy support as plants reach 4-5 feet tall. Container growing allows better control over soil moisture and extends the growing season in cold climates by moving pots indoors before frost.

What does Jimmy Nardello pepper taste like?▼

Jimmy Nardello peppers have an exceptionally sweet flavor with fruity undertones and zero heat. When raw, they're mildly sweet, but cooking transforms them into candy-like sweetness with rich, concentrated flavor. The thin walls become incredibly tender when sautéed, and many describe the taste as the perfect Italian frying pepper with complex sweetness that intensifies with cooking.

Is Jimmy Nardello pepper good for beginners?▼

Jimmy Nardello peppers are moderately easy for beginners, requiring basic pepper-growing skills but rewarding careful attention. They need consistent watering, full sun, and support for heavy fruit loads. The main challenges are the long growing season and moderate disease susceptibility, but their exceptional flavor and prolific production make the extra care worthwhile for new gardeners willing to learn proper staking and watering techniques.

When should I plant Jimmy Nardello pepper seeds?▼

Start Jimmy Nardello pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date, typically late February to early March in most temperate zones. Seeds need warm soil (70-80°F) for germination. Transplant outdoors only when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, usually late May to early June in most areas.

How do you save Jimmy Nardello pepper seeds?▼

Save Jimmy Nardello seeds by selecting the best, fully ripe red peppers from your healthiest plants. Cut open peppers and scrape seeds onto paper plates. Air dry seeds for 2-3 weeks in a warm, dry location, stirring occasionally. Store completely dry seeds in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 3-4 years, maintaining this heirloom's genetic integrity.