How to Grow Pint Size Blue

Pint Size Blue

Capsicum annuum var. annuum

vegetable

Pint Size Blue is a compact ornamental pepper plant that produces small, pint-sized blue and purple peppers. It's bred for both decorative appeal and edibility, making it ideal for container growing and small spaces. The peppers mature from green to deep blue-purple and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

When should you plant Pint Size Blue 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.

Get my Pint Size Blue timeline →

Example Pint Size Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Pint Size Blue
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Pint Size Blue
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pint Size Blue dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily (minimum 6 hours)

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1-2 times weekly; reduce watering in cooler months. Prefer soil moisture of 60-80%.

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 70-90

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; plant transplants at same depth they were growing

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost peat moss perlite aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 6-10; can be grown in zones 3-5 as an annual with protection

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

Get my Pint Size Blue timeline →

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny sprouts with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge; first true leaves begin appearing after 1-2 weeks

Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist; provide bright light to prevent leggy growth; maintain 12-16 hour photoperiod under grow lights if starting indoors

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple sets of true leaves; compact bushy form with sturdy stems; plant grows 8-12 inches tall

Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F nights, 75-85°F days); fertilize weekly with balanced fertilizer; begin hardening off 1-2 weeks before transplanting outdoors

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Small white or pale purple flowers appear in leaf axils; flowers are self-pollinating with good fruit set

Maintain consistent watering and warmth; provide full sun exposure; pollinate flowers gently with brush if indoors; reduce nitrogen fertilizer, increase phosphorus and potassium

Fruiting

4-6 weeks

Peppers form and gradually enlarge; peppers transition from green to blue-purple as they mature; small fruits reach 1-2 inches

Water consistently; provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; stake or support if needed; ensure adequate air circulation; remove any diseased fruit immediately

Harvest & Maturity

8+ weeks (continuous)

Peppers achieve full blue-purple color and desired size; plant continues producing new flowers and fruit throughout season if conditions remain favorable

Harvest peppers when fully colored; remove peppers to encourage more production; continue watering and fertilizing; in fall, bring potted plants indoors in cold climates

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Parsley Marigold Nasturtium Onion Carrot Spinach

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kochia Brassicas (excessive amounts) Beans (competitive for nutrients)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; maintain humidity above 50%; use fine misting; encourage beneficial mites
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs; use yellow sticky traps
Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; improve air circulation
Remove affected leaves; use blue or yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil
Remove and destroy infested peppers; use row covers early season; apply spinosad or pyrethrin; maintain plant health

Uses

🍳

Fresh eating and garnish

Culinary

Pint Size Blue peppers are small and decorative with a mild, slightly sweet flavor perfect for fresh eating, salads, and colorful plate presentations. Their petite size and striking blue-purple color make them ideal for gourmet cuisine and molecular gastronomy applications. [source]

🏠

Container and ornamental gardening

Household

This variety is specifically bred for compact growth and visual appeal, making it perfect for decorative pots on patios, balconies, and windowsills. The combination of delicate foliage and colorful fruits creates an attractive living decoration. [source]

🎨

Indoor decorative plant

Craft

Pint Size Blue makes an excellent indoor houseplant that produces edible peppers year-round with adequate light. The striking blue-purple fruits create natural decoration while providing fresh produce. [source]

🍳

Pickling and preservation

Culinary

The small size and firm flesh make Pint Size Blue peppers ideal for whole pickling in vinegar-based brines. They retain their color and texture well through the pickling process. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Pint Size Blue beneficial for garden biodiversity and increased fruit set. The ornamental fruits also provide food for birds. [source]

Harvest Tips

Pick peppers when fully blue-purple and firm; peppers reach optimal flavor and color at full maturity. Use pruning shears or knife to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruiting throughout the season. Peppers can be picked at green stage but are more flavorful when fully colored. In containers, plants typically produce 20-50 peppers depending on conditions.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pint Size Blue peppers are not actually spicy—the blue-purple color comes from anthocyanin pigments similar to those in blueberries, making them visually striking but mild in flavor.
🌱 Despite being called 'edible ornamentals,' Pint Size Blue was specifically developed to be both beautiful and tasty, breaking the stereotype that ornamental peppers are inedible decorations.
🌱 In containers, a single Pint Size Blue plant can produce 20-50 peppers throughout a growing season, making it remarkably productive for its tiny size and space requirements.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Hardening Off pH Transplant True Leaves

Shop Pint Size Blue plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Pint Size Blue planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pint Size Blue 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 Pint Size Blue timeline →