How to Grow Cabaret Scarlet
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Cabaret Scarlet
Capsicum annuum 'Cabaret Scarlet'
vegetableCabaret Scarlet is an ornamental pepper variety that produces small, upright scarlet-red fruits on compact, bushy plants. It's grown both for its striking visual appeal and edible peppers, making it ideal for container gardening and decorative landscapes. The plant reaches modest heights and produces abundant fruits throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Cabaret Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Cabaret Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cabaret Scarlet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cabaret Scarlet
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cabaret Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-11; grow as annual in zones 3-4
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and delicate
Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F), provide bright light, keep soil moist but not soggy, thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and numerous leaves, becoming bushy and compact
Maintain consistent warmth (65-80°F), ensure full sun exposure, fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer, pinch growing tips to encourage branching if desired
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white flowers appear at leaf axils, abundant and prolific
Maintain consistent watering and soil moisture, reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to higher-phosphorus formula to promote fruiting, ensure pollination with gentle air circulation or hand pollination if indoors
Fruiting & Maturation
4-6 weeks until red maturitySmall upright peppers form, gradually enlarging and changing color from green to bright scarlet-red
Maintain consistent watering, continue phosphorus-rich fertilization every 2 weeks, support branches if heavily laden with fruit, harvest green peppers or wait for full color development
Harvest & Continued Production
6-12 weeks through season endPlant continues producing new flowers and fruits throughout season, older fruits ripen and can be harvested
Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production, continue watering and fertilizing, watch for pests and diseases, plants remain productive until first frost in cold climates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, maintain humidity, ensure good air circulation
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Spray with water, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, vacuum adults from leaves in extreme cases
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Remove infested fruits, use spinosad-based insecticides, maintain garden sanitation
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Practice crop rotation, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, use copper-based fungicides
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryCabaret Scarlet peppers are edible and can be used fresh in salads, stir-fries, and cooked dishes. While smaller than bell peppers, they offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor when fully ripe and red. [source]
Ornamental container gardening
HouseholdThe compact bushy plant with abundant bright-scarlet upright fruits makes it exceptionally attractive in containers, hanging baskets, and garden borders. It combines ornamental appeal with edible function. [source]
Dried decorative elements
CraftMature scarlet fruits can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. The vibrant color is retained through drying. [source]
Pollinator and bird attraction
WildlifeThe abundant small flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The colorful fruit attracts birds and wildlife interest to gardens. [source]
Capsaicin-rich food
MedicinalLike all peppers, Cabaret Scarlet contains capsaicinoids which have been studied for anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. Can be used as a culinary medicinal ingredient. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Peppers can be harvested green or left to fully ripen to scarlet-red (full flavor develops at red stage). Use pruning shears or knife to cut peppers cleanly from plant, leaving short stem. Harvesting regularly encourages continued production. Peak harvest occurs mid-summer through fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cabaret Scarlet peppers are fully mature and most flavorful when they reach their bright scarlet-red color, and at this stage the heat level increases slightly due to higher capsaicinoid concentration.
- 🌱 Despite being called ornamental peppers, all Capsicum annuum varieties are technically edible; Cabaret Scarlet is prized by both gardeners and chefs for its dual appeal.
- 🌱 These plants are photoperiodic to some extent and respond to longer daylight hours by producing more abundant flowers and fruits, making them excellent summer producers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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