How to Grow Panorama Red Pepper

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Panorama Red Pepper

Capsicum annuum 'Panorama Red'

vegetable

Panorama Red is a compact, ornamental pepper variety that produces small, upright red peppers on bushy plants. It's prized for both its aesthetic appeal and culinary use, making it ideal for container gardening and small spaces. The plant grows 12-18 inches tall and yields abundantly throughout the growing season.

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Example Panorama Red Pepper timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Panorama Red Pepper

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Panorama Red Pepper

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Panorama Red Pepper dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for best fruiting)
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1-2 times weekly depending on rainfall and temperature. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 60-75 days from transplant to first harvest
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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite for drainage in containers

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-10; grow as annual in zones 3-4 or start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2 cotyledons followed by first true leaves; plants are fragile and pale green

Maintain warm soil (70-80°F), high humidity under grow lights. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks after transplanting

Bushy plants developing multiple stems, leaves, and branching structure; no flowers yet

Thin to strongest seedlings if sown directly. Harden off transplants gradually before planting out. Maintain consistent warmth and moisture. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.

3

Flowering

3-4 weeks, overlapping with fruiting

Small white flowers with yellow centers appear at branch tips; plant is compact and bushy

Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes leafy growth over flowers. Ensure adequate calcium (supplement with crushed eggshells or gypsum if needed).

4

Fruiting

4-8 weeks depending on desired ripeness

Small upright peppers develop from flowers, transitioning from green to glossy red; abundant fruit production

Continue regular watering and full sun. Switch to fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium. Support branches if heavily laden with fruit. Harvest green peppers anytime or wait for full red color.

5

Harvest

Ongoing until first frost or plant decline

Fully mature red peppers ready for picking; plant continues producing new flowers and fruit

Harvest regularly to encourage more production. Cut peppers with scissors rather than pulling. In frost-prone areas, bring potted plants indoors before first frost to extend season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale)

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil or sulfur; encourage predatory mites

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; neem oil applications

  • Remove and destroy infested fruit; apply spinosad; practice crop rotation; use pheromone traps

  • Use resistant varieties when available; improve drainage; avoid overhead watering; remove infected plants

Uses

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Fresh Eating & Cooking

Culinary

Panorama Red peppers can be eaten fresh at any maturity stage, though red peppers are sweeter. Use in salads, stir-fries, roasting, or as an ornamental edible garnish. The small size makes them ideal for stuffing or roasting whole. [source]

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Drying & Seasoning

Culinary

The small peppers dry well and can be ground into a flavorful seasoning powder or crushed for chili flakes. Dried Panorama Red peppers add a subtle heat and fruity sweetness to dishes. [source]

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Ornamental Container Growing

Household

Panorama Red is prized as an ornamental houseplant or patio plant, with its compact size and abundant colorful fruit. Plants thrive in pots and decorative containers, making them ideal for balconies, patios, and indoor windowsills. [source]

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Capsaicin & Antioxidants

Medicinal

Red peppers contain capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They may support immune function, pain relief, and cardiovascular health when consumed regularly. [source]

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Hummingbird & Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The delicate white flowers attract pollinators including bees and hummingbirds. The upright peppers also attract birds, making this an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. [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 at any stage but develop full flavor and sweetness when fully red, typically 60-75 days after transplanting. Cut peppers with scissors 1/4 inch above the stem to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continuous production throughout the season. In short-season areas, start harvesting green peppers earlier to increase total yield.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Panorama Red peppers grow upright on the plant (rather than hanging downward), making them particularly showy and easy to spot for harvesting.
  • 🌱 This variety is ideal for indoor growing and can be maintained as a houseplant for multiple years if kept in warm conditions with adequate light.
  • 🌱 Panorama Red peppers transition through multiple color stages—from green to yellow to orange to deep red—providing visual interest throughout the growing season.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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