How to Grow Scarlet Imp
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Scarlet Imp
Capsicum annuum
vegetableScarlet Imp is a compact ornamental pepper variety that produces small, bright red, cone-shaped peppers on a bushy, dwarf plant. Despite its decorative appeal, the peppers are edible with a moderately hot flavor, making it both a visual and culinary addition to gardens. This variety is particularly popular for container growing and makes an excellent ornamental houseplant.
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Example Scarlet Imp timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Imp
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 Scarlet Imp
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Imp dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-11; can be grown in zones 3-4 as an annual in warm season
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and delicate appearance
Keep soil moist; provide 14-16 hours of grow light daily; maintain 70-80°F; avoid cold drafts; thin to strongest seedlings if direct seeded
Vegetative
4-6 weeks after transplantBushy, compact growth with multiple stems and increasingly dense foliage; plant reaches 12-18 inches tall
Harden off before transplanting; pinch back main stem when 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness; apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks; ensure full sun exposure
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white flowers with yellow centers appear in leaf axils; plant becomes dense and stocky with abundant blooms
Switch to lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer (5-10-10) to encourage flowering; maintain consistent moisture; avoid excessive nitrogen which delays flowering; provide stakes or support if needed for containers
Fruiting
4-6 weeks per pepper cycle; continues until frostSmall cone-shaped green peppers emerge and gradually mature to bright scarlet red; multiple fruits develop simultaneously
Continue regular watering and phosphorus-rich fertilizing; peppers take 2-3 weeks to change from green to red; pick green peppers if needed or allow full ripening for sweetness; remove any misshapen fruit to direct energy to quality peppers
Harvest & Decline
Ongoing until frost or moving indoorsPeak production of red peppers; plant may slow production in extreme heat or cold; foliage may appear less vibrant as season progresses
Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering; in containers, can be brought indoors before frost and maintained as a houseplant; reduce watering and fertilizer as temperatures cool; deadhead spent flowers if production slows
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs; reflective mulches can deter
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; vacuum adults from leaves with handheld device; improve air circulation
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Remove infected flowers; use blue or yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil; introduce predatory mites; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Improve air circulation; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; apply neem oil
Uses
Fresh cooking & garnish
CulinarySmall red peppers can be used fresh in salads, salsas, or as a colorful garnish for dishes. They have a moderately hot flavor and thin-walled structure, making them suitable for fresh eating or quick cooking. [source]
Decorative container plant
OrnamentalCompact growth habit and bright scarlet fruits make Scarlet Imp ideal for pots, window boxes, and patio displays. Can be grown indoors as an ornamental houseplant with adequate light. [source]
Dried peppers & spice
CulinaryPeppers can be dried and crushed into a homemade pepper flake seasoning or ground into powder. The heat level makes them suitable for spicy cooking and preservation. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant small white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Scarlet Imp beneficial for ecological gardens and supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]
Natural pest deterrent
HouseholdHot pepper plants and their fruits can be made into a homemade capsaicin spray to deter rodents and some garden pests from other plants in the garden. [source]
Harvest Tips
Peppers can be harvested green (more peppery) or red (sweeter, more mature). For ornamental effect, allow to ripen fully to scarlet red on the plant. Harvest by cutting with pruners rather than pulling to avoid damaging branches. Scarlet Imp produces continuously until frost if harvested regularly. In warm climates (zones 9-11), plants may overwinter and produce for 2+ years. For best ornamental display indoors, maintain temperatures of 65-75°F and provide bright light.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Imp peppers are technically fruits from a botanical standpoint, but culinarily classified as vegetables due to their savory use rather than sweet taste.
- 🌱 The pepper plant can live for multiple years in warm climates and mild winters, sometimes producing continuously for 2-3 seasons if overwintered indoors or in protected locations.
- 🌱 The heat in peppers comes from capsaicin, which is not affected by cooking and is actually more concentrated in peppers that have fully ripened to red color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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