How to Grow Quartz Scarlet
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Quartz Scarlet
Capsicum annuum 'Quartz Scarlet'
vegetableQuartz Scarlet is a compact ornamental and edible pepper variety known for its glossy, bright red fruits and dwarf growth habit. This versatile cultivar produces abundant peppers that are both visually striking and flavorful, making it suitable for containers, small gardens, and landscape use.
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Example Quartz Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Quartz Scarlet
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 Quartz Scarlet
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Quartz Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; can be grown as annual in zones 2-4
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2 cotyledons followed by true leaves; very tender and susceptible to damping off
Keep soil warm (70-80°F), moist but not soggy. Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights. Thin to strongest seedling if direct sowing.
Vegetative
3-4 weeks before transplant; 2-3 weeks post-transplant before floweringCompact plant develops multiple stems and sets of true leaves; bushy, dwarf growth pattern becomes evident
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F day, 55-65°F night). Begin fertilizing weekly with balanced fertilizer once true leaves appear. Pinch growing tip at 6 inches to encourage branching if desired.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white flowers appear at leaf nodes; plant remains compact and dense with abundant blooms
Ensure consistent watering and full sun exposure. Switch to higher-potassium fertilizer (like tomato formula) to support fruit set. Gently shake plants when flowering for better pollination if growing indoors.
Fruiting
3-4 weeks from fruit set to mature red colorGreen peppers develop rapidly and begin coloring to glossy scarlet red; multiple fruits present simultaneously on compact plant
Maintain even soil moisture to prevent blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Continue fertilizing every 2 weeks. Provide support stakes if needed as peppers become heavy. Reduce nitrogen to concentrate energy into fruit.
Harvest
Ongoing; 6-8 weeks of heavy production typicalFully ripened scarlet-red peppers are firm, glossy, and ready for picking; plant continues producing new flowers
Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Use pruning shears or knife to cut peppers to avoid damaging branches. Peppers can be harvested at green stage or left to fully ripen for sweetness.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; regular misting
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Spray with water jet; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Remove infected leaves; spray with spinosad or neem oil; use sticky traps
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Remove and destroy infested fruits; use insecticidal sprays early in season
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Vacuum insects; use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryQuartz Scarlet peppers are sweet and flavorful when fully ripe, ideal for fresh salads, stir-fries, and roasting. Their compact size makes them perfect for stuffing whole. [source]
Container and landscape decoration
OrnamentalThe compact dwarf habit and abundant glossy scarlet fruits make this variety exceptional for ornamental use in gardens, patios, and decorative containers. Highly prized by gardeners seeking dual-purpose edible ornamentals. [source]
Drying and preservation
CulinaryPeppers can be dried whole or sliced for long-term storage, creating decorative dried pepper strings or grinding into paprika-style powder. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife attraction
WildlifeAbundant white flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity while producing fruit. [source]
Seed saving
HouseholdQuartz Scarlet is an open-pollinated variety suitable for seed saving. Allow one or two fully ripe peppers to remain on the plant; harvest, dry, and extract seeds for next season. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest peppers when fully red for maximum sweetness, or pick at green stage for milder flavor. Cut peppers with pruning shears rather than pulling to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest regularly (every 2-3 days when producing) to encourage continuous flowering. Peppers will keep 1-2 weeks refrigerated.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Quartz Scarlet peppers contain more vitamin C when fully red-ripe than at the green stage, increasing nutritional value by up to 300%.
- 🌱 This variety is part of the ornamental pepper movement, bred specifically to serve double duty as both landscape plants and edible producers.
- 🌱 The compact growth habit makes Quartz Scarlet one of the few pepper varieties that thrives in 5-gallon containers on windowsills or apartment balconies.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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