How to Grow Lee's White
Wikimedia Commons
Lee's White
Capsicum annuum var. longum
vegetableLee's White is a heirloom hot pepper variety known for its creamy white fruit that matures from green. These elongated peppers are moderately hot and prized for both fresh use and drying, offering a unique appearance in the garden and kitchen.
When should you plant Lee's White in your zone?
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Example Lee's White timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lee's White
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 Lee's White
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lee's White dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; can be grown in cooler zones with season extension
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Seedling
6-8 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and delicate appearance
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Provide bottom heat (70-80°F) and bright light. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Vegetative
4-6 weeks after transplantingPlant develops branching structure with increasingly larger leaves; no flowers yet
Transplant outdoors after last frost and soil warms to 60°F+. Harden off gradually. Install stakes or cages for support. Remove lower leaves as plant grows.
Flowering
2-3 weeks of continuous floweringSmall white flowers appear at leaf axils throughout the plant canopy
Maintain consistent watering and fertilize with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer. Ensure good air circulation. Hand-pollinate flowers in cool weather if needed.
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall green peppers develop and gradually elongate to 3-4 inches; peppers begin transitioning to white color
Continue regular watering and feeding. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Thin fruit if overcrowded to encourage larger peppers. Watch for pests.
Mature/Harvest
Ongoing through frostPeppers turn creamy white to pale cream color when fully mature; glossy, firm appearance
Harvest at white stage for best flavor and heat level. Cut peppers with scissors to avoid damaging branches. Can be dried for storage. Continue harvesting to encourage more fruit production.
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 if severe. Increase humidity.
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Remove and destroy infested fruit. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply spinosad or neem oil preventatively.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use row covers on seedlings; apply neem oil or spinosad. Encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Hot Pepper Seasoning & Spice
CulinaryLee's White peppers can be used fresh, dried, or ground into powder for cooking. They add moderate heat (30,000-50,000 Scoville units) and unique flavor to salsas, hot sauces, and ethnic cuisine. [source]
Drying & Storage
CulinaryThese peppers are excellent for drying whole or sliced, then stored for year-round use. Dried peppers can be rehydrated, ground, or used in infused oils. [source]
Ornamental Garden Feature
HouseholdThe striking white peppers contrasting with green foliage make this variety attractive in vegetable gardens, containers, and landscape settings. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Properties
MedicinalLike other hot peppers, Lee's White contains capsaicin which is traditionally used to support circulation and may have anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Pepper Wreaths & Decorations
CraftDried white peppers can be strung together to create decorative pepper ristras or wreaths for kitchen decor. [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 peppers when they turn creamy white and glossy (typically 60-90 days after transplanting). Cut with pruning shears 1-2 inches from the stem. For dried peppers, leave on plant longer or harvest and dry indoors. Can be harvested green but flavor improves when white.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lee's White is a true heirloom variety that has been passed down through gardening communities, particularly valued by pepper enthusiasts for its unusual coloration and heritage status.
- 🌱 The white color of mature peppers is caused by reduced chlorophyll and specific pigment compounds, making this variety visually distinct from common red, yellow, or orange peppers.
- 🌱 These peppers are moderately hot and develop fuller heat and flavor complexity when allowed to fully mature on the plant, unlike some pepper varieties that peak at green stage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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