How to Grow Hisar Selection
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Hisar Selection
Capsicum annuum 'Hisar Selection'
vegetableHisar Selection is a high-yielding bell pepper cultivar developed in India, known for its disease resistance and productivity in hot climates. It produces medium to large-sized green and red peppers with thick walls and excellent flavor. This variety is particularly well-suited for commercial cultivation and home gardens in warm regions.
When should you plant Hisar Selection in your zone?
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Example Hisar Selection timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hisar Selection
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 Hisar Selection
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hisar Selection dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as annual in cooler zones with season extension
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge within 7-14 days. First true leaves appear after 2-3 weeks. Plants are delicate and pale green.
Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Water gently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin weak seedlings.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop multiple sets of true leaves and branch formation begins. Stems thicken and root systems establish. Plants grow 6-12 inches tall before transplanting.
Continue warm temperatures, provide 12-16 hours of light daily if indoors. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting. Keep soil consistently moist. Begin light feeding with diluted fertilizer after true leaves appear.
Flowering
4-6 weeksPlants produce clusters of small white flowers at leaf axils. Flowering typically begins when plants reach 8-12 inches and warm nighttime temperatures (65-75°F) are maintained.
Ensure full sun exposure, consistent watering, and adequate calcium to prevent blossom-end rot. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Gently shake plants to aid pollination. Maintain warm temperatures (above 60°F at night).
Fruiting
8-12 weeksFlowers develop into small green peppers that gradually enlarge. Peppers reach mature green stage within 60-70 days from flowering. Red color develops if left on plant for additional 3-4 weeks.
Maintain consistent deep watering to prevent splitting and blossom-end rot. Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly potassium-rich formula. Mulch around base to regulate soil temperature and moisture. Prune excessive foliage if needed to improve air circulation.
Harvest
Ongoing throughout seasonPeppers reach full size and develop desired color. Green peppers are glossy and firm; red peppers have deepened in color. Plants continue producing throughout growing season if harvested regularly.
Harvest green peppers when full-sized or wait for color change. Use sharp pruners to avoid damaging branches. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Remove any diseased or misshapen fruits promptly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; use reflective mulch
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil; use sulfur spray; introduce predatory mites
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Remove affected leaves; use sticky traps; apply neem oil; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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and
Remove fallen fruit; use fruit fly traps; maintain garden sanitation; apply spinosad if severe
Uses
Fresh cooking and salads
CulinaryHisar Selection peppers are excellent for fresh consumption, salads, and raw applications due to their sweet flavor and crisp texture. The thick walls and minimal seeds make them ideal for stuffing. [source]
Cooking and preservation
CulinaryThese peppers are well-suited for roasting, grilling, sautéing, and cooking. They can be canned, frozen, or dried for long-term storage. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidants
MedicinalPeppers are rich in vitamin C and capsaicinoids, supporting immune function and cardiovascular health. Red peppers particularly contain lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants. [source]
Natural color and dye
HouseholdPeppers can be used to create natural dyes and food colorants for household and culinary applications. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifePepper flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest green peppers when full-sized and firm, approximately 60-70 days after flowering. For red peppers, allow additional 3-4 weeks on plant after green stage. Use sharp pruning shears to cut peppers, leaving 1-inch stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production. Peppers can be harvested at any color stage (green, yellow, orange, or red) based on preference.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hisar Selection was developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi and is named after Hisar, a major agricultural region, making it specifically adapted to hot, dry climates.
- 🌱 Pepper plants are perennials that can produce for multiple years in tropical climates; in temperate regions, they're typically grown as annuals but can be overwintered indoors.
- 🌱 The heat sensation from peppers comes from capsaicin, a compound that actually triggers the same pain receptors in the mouth that respond to physical heat, which is why peppers feel 'hot' even though they're not thermally hot.
Gardening Terms
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