How to Grow Pilgrim
Wikimedia Commons
Pilgrim
Capsicum annuum
vegetablePilgrim is a compact, ornamental pepper variety that produces abundant small, upright fruits that change color from green to red as they mature. This determinate plant is prized for both its decorative appearance and edible peppers, making it suitable for container gardening and landscape use. The peppers are mild and can be used fresh or cooked.
When should you plant Pilgrim in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pilgrim timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pilgrim
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Pilgrim
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pilgrim dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 2-4 with proper care
Sign up free to see if Pilgrim grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pilgrim timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny sprouted plants with cotyledons (seed leaves) and first true leaves appearing
Provide warm soil (75-85°F), consistent moisture, and bright light indoors; keep under grow lights or in sunny window
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact growth with multiple stems and increasing foliage; no flowers present
Pinch off early flower buds to encourage bushier growth; maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F); fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white flowers appear abundantly along stems; plant reaches 12-18 inches tall
Ensure adequate light and air circulation; switch to fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium; maintain consistent watering
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall upright peppers develop green color and gradually mature to red; plant becomes heavy with peppers
Continue regular watering and fertilizing; support branches if needed as fruit weight increases; harvest green peppers or wait for red maturity
Mature/Harvest
Ongoing until frostPeppers reach full red color; plant continues producing throughout season if harvested regularly
Pick peppers regularly to encourage continued production; deadhead spent flowers; maintain consistent watering and feeding
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity around plants
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; increase air circulation; vacuum off with handheld device
-
Remove infested fruit; use spinosad spray; remove plant debris; avoid planting in same location next year
-
Remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; use copper fungicide if severe
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryPilgrim peppers can be eaten fresh in salads, sliced as appetizers, or cooked in stir-fries and other dishes. The mild flavor makes them suitable for anyone sensitive to heat. [source]
Decorative container gardening
OrnamentalThe compact, bushy growth habit and abundant colorful fruits make Pilgrim peppers ideal for pots on patios, balconies, and windowsills. They provide continuous color from green to red throughout the growing season. [source]
Seed saving
HouseholdPilgrim peppers are open-pollinated, making them excellent candidates for saving seeds for next year's garden. Harvest fully ripe red peppers, extract seeds, dry them completely, and store in cool, dry conditions. [source]
Preservation and drying
CulinaryPilgrim peppers can be dried, frozen, or pickled for long-term storage and use throughout the year in various recipes. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant small flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local pollinator populations while ensuring good fruit set. [source]
Harvest Tips
Peppers can be harvested green for a slightly more bitter taste or left on the plant to mature to red for sweeter flavor. Gently twist and pull peppers from the plant, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging branches. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season. The more you pick, the more the plant will produce.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pilgrim peppers were developed as ornamental pepper varieties but produce perfectly edible, nutritious peppers with vitamin C content similar to larger pepper varieties.
- 🌱 The name 'Pilgrim' reflects the compact, sturdy nature of the plant—it was bred to be a reliable producer even in less-than-ideal conditions.
- 🌱 A single Pilgrim pepper plant can produce 50-100+ peppers in a season when grown in favorable conditions and harvested regularly.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pilgrim planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pilgrim seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pilgrim timeline →