How to Grow Red Devil Pepper

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Red Devil Pepper

Capsicum annuum 'Red Devil'

vegetable

Red Devil is a compact, ornamental pepper variety that produces prolific bright red fruits with a mild to medium heat level. The plant is decorative both during growth and fruiting, making it suitable for containers and garden beds. It's known for its productivity and striking appearance.

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

Plant Red Devil Pepper
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Red Devil Pepper
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for optimal fruiting)

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Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant to first red fruit

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as their container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost aged manure perlite for drainage balanced fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-10; can be grown in zones 3-4 with protection and season extension

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling (0-4 weeks)

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons, developing first true leaves. Plants are fragile and require consistent warmth and moisture.

Maintain 70-80°F soil temperature. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Begin fertilizing at week 2-3 with diluted fertilizer.

Vegetative Growth (4-8 weeks)

4-5 weeks

Plant develops multiple sets of true leaves and branches, forming a bushy structure. Stems thicken and the plant becomes more resilient.

Reduce watering slightly as plant matures. Begin hardening off by week 6-7 if grown indoors. Pinch growing tips if leggy to promote bushiness. Maintain warmth above 60°F.

Pre-flowering to Flowering (8-12 weeks)

3-4 weeks

Plant reaches transplant size (6-8 inches) and develops flower buds. Small white flowers appear at branch axils.

Transplant outdoors after last frost and soil warms to 60°F+. Provide consistent nutrients with balanced fertilizer. Maintain warm conditions (70-85°F optimal). Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

Fruiting (12-16 weeks)

4-6 weeks (for initial crop)

Green peppers develop from fallen flowers. Peppers enlarge and gradually change color from green to bright red. Plant remains productive with multiple fruit sets.

Switch to higher-potassium fertilizer to support fruiting. Water consistently and deeply. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Support heavy fruit branches with stakes if needed.

Harvest & Continuation (16+ weeks)

Ongoing until first frost or end of season

Peppers reach full red color and mature size. Plant continues producing new flowers and fruits through season. Plants may remain productive for several months in warm climates.

Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Maintain consistent watering and fertilizer schedule. Protect from cold if temperatures drop below 60°F. Remove any diseased foliage.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Carrots Onions Garlic Parsley Marigolds Spinach Lettuce

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Other Capsicum varieties (to prevent cross-pollination if seed saving) Brassicas in very tight spacing

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Keep plant healthy to increase pest resistance.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Vacuum adults with hand-held device in small spaces.
Remove and destroy infested peppers. Use insecticides if severe. Sanitize equipment between plants. Practice crop rotation.
Remove affected leaves and fruits. Avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation. Use copper-based fungicide if available. Sanitize tools between plants.
Improve air circulation. Remove infected leaves. Spray with sulfur or neem oil. Avoid overhead watering. Reduce humidity if possible.

Uses

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Fresh eating and cooking

Culinary

Red Devil peppers can be enjoyed fresh in salads, salsas, and vegetable platters. They can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or stuffed for cooked dishes. The mild to medium heat makes them accessible to diverse palates. [source]

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Pepper preservation

Culinary

Peppers can be dried, frozen, canned, or fermented for long-term storage. Drying concentrates flavor and heat. Freezing preserves them for winter cooking without significant quality loss. [source]

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Garden and container display

Ornamental

Red Devil's compact growth habit and vibrant red fruits make it attractive in decorative containers on patios or as garden borders. The plant is ornamental throughout the growing season. [source]

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Nutritional and health benefits

Medicinal

Red peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. They support immune function and may have anti-inflammatory properties. The capsaicin in the pepper may support metabolism. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The small flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, helping to establish a healthy garden ecosystem. The plant supports pollinator populations while producing food. [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 or left on the plant to mature to bright red (takes 2-3 additional weeks). Red peppers are sweeter and have higher vitamin C. Use clean shears or knives to cut peppers, leaving stem on plant to avoid damage. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production. In warm climates, plants may continue producing until frost.

Fun Facts

🌱 Red Devil peppers intensify in heat and sweetness as they mature from green to red, making maturation time an important choice for growers seeking specific flavor profiles.
🌱 Peppers are technically berries botanically, despite being classified as vegetables culinarily. A single Red Devil plant can produce dozens of peppers across a season in optimal conditions.
🌱 The capsaicin compound that gives peppers their heat is not actually a taste but a sensory irritant that triggers pain receptors—some people build tolerance with regular consumption.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Hardening Off Mulch Transplant True Leaves

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