How to Grow Red Champion
Wikimedia Commons
Red Champion
Capsicum annuum
vegetableRed Champion is a hybrid bell pepper variety known for its large, blocky fruit and early maturity. The plants produce abundant yields of thick-walled, sweet red peppers that are excellent for fresh eating and cooking.
When should you plant Red Champion in your zone?
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Example Red Champion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Champion
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 Red Champion
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Champion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate stems, and developing root system
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily under grow lights. Maintain temperature around 70-75°F. Thin seedlings to strongest specimens.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks indoors; 2-3 weeks after transplanting outdoorsPlants develop bushy foliage with multiple stems and branches. Leaves are dark green and abundant. No flowers yet.
Transplant to larger containers when roots fill pot. Harden off seedlings before moving outdoors. Maintain consistent watering and warm temperatures (70-85°F). Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white or pale yellow flowers appear at leaf axils. Plant reaches full height of 18-24 inches. Buds and blooms cover the plant.
Maintain consistent moisture to prevent flower/fruit drop. Switch to fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10). Pollinate flowers by hand or allow natural pollination by insects. Pinch off first flowers if desired to encourage larger later fruit.
Fruiting
3-4 weeks (green stage)Green peppers develop from flowers, growing to blocky 3-4 inch cubes with thick walls. Plants produce multiple peppers simultaneously.
Maintain consistent deep watering. Support heavy-laden branches with stakes or cages. Continue regular feeding every 2-3 weeks. Watch for pests and diseases. Remove any diseased fruit immediately.
Maturity & Ripening
2-4 weeks per fruitGreen peppers gradually turn red, becoming sweeter and more flavorful. Peppers reach full size with glossy, thick-walled fruit. Color change takes 2-4 weeks per fruit.
Allow peppers to stay on plant to fully ripen for best flavor and sweetness. Water consistently during ripening. Harvest mature red peppers or leave on plant for continued ripening. Can harvest green for cooking if needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs; use reflective mulches
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Increase humidity; spray with water mist; use miticides or neem oil if severe
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
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Remove affected fruit immediately; use insecticides if necessary; remove plant debris
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and
(fungal/oomycete diseases)
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; use fungicides if needed; remove infected plants
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryRed Champion peppers are versatile in the kitchen. Eat raw in salads and snacks, or use in cooking for fajitas, stir-fries, roasted peppers, and countless Mediterranean and Asian dishes. [source]
High vitamin C content
CulinaryRipe red peppers contain significantly more vitamin C than green peppers. One medium pepper provides over 150% of daily recommended vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. [source]
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
MedicinalRed peppers contain powerful antioxidants including quercetin, luteolin, and capsaicin. These compounds have been studied for anti-inflammatory and potential disease-preventative effects. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdRed pepper pigments (from carotenoids and lycopene) can be extracted and used as natural food coloring or dye for textiles and crafts without synthetic additives. [source]
Attracting pollinators
WildlifeThe flowers of Red Champion peppers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are essential for pollination and garden ecosystem health. [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 green (65-70 days) or left on plant to ripen red (75-90 days). For best sweetness and vitamin C content, allow to fully ripen to red. Cut with sharp pruners leaving short stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Champion is an F1 hybrid, meaning seeds from harvested fruit will not produce plants identical to the parent. Seeds should not be saved for replanting.
- 🌱 Peppers are actually berries botanically, and the bell pepper plant is a perennial that can live for several years in warm climates, though it's typically grown as an annual.
- 🌱 The 'heat' in peppers comes from capsaicin, but sweet peppers like Red Champion have virtually no capsaicin, making them mild and perfect for heat-sensitive palates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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