How to Grow Scarlet Pearl
Wikimedia Commons
Scarlet Pearl
Capsicum annuum 'Scarlet Pearl'
vegetableScarlet Pearl is an ornamental pepper variety that produces small, round, bright red fruits on compact plants. The peppers are edible and transition from green to vibrant scarlet red as they mature. This variety is prized for both its decorative appeal and mild flavor, making it suitable for both ornamental gardens and culinary use.
When should you plant Scarlet Pearl 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.
Example Scarlet Pearl timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Scarlet Pearl
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Scarlet Pearl
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Pearl dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, grown as annual in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if Scarlet Pearl grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Scarlet Pearl timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green shoots emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves). True leaves develop slowly over 2-3 weeks.
Maintain warm soil (70-80°F), provide bright indirect light, keep soil lightly moist, thin to strongest seedlings.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and establishes a bushy, compact growth habit. Stems thicken and branch.
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting. Plant outdoors after last frost. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white or pale yellow flowers appear in leaf axils. Flowers are self-pollinating and abundant on compact plants.
Maintain consistent watering and warmth (70-85°F optimal). Provide stakes or cages for support if needed. Do not over-fertilize nitrogen.
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall round green peppers form and gradually enlarge to pea to marble size. Fruits transition from green to bright scarlet red over weeks.
Water consistently as fruit develops. Support branches with caging if heavily laden. Continue light fertilizing with lower nitrogen formula.
Harvest
Ongoing until frostMature scarlet red peppers peak in flavor and ornamental appeal. Plants remain productive through season.
Harvest peppers when fully red for best flavor and heat tolerance. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Deadhead spent flowers.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase humidity. Remove heavily infested leaves. Introduce predatory mites if available.
-
Use sticky blue traps. Spray with neem oil. Remove affected flower buds. Use reflective mulch to deter.
-
Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap. Use neem oil. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
-
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray undersides of leaves with neem oil. Apply insecticidal soap weekly as needed.
-
Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Remove infected fruit immediately. Apply fungicide if severe. Sanitize tools.
Uses
Fresh eating and garnish
CulinaryScarlet Pearl peppers can be eaten fresh, raw, or roasted when fully ripe. Their small size makes them ideal for stuffing, slicing into salads, or using as decorative edible garnishes for dishes. [source]
Container and landscape decoration
OrnamentalThe compact growth habit and abundant bright red fruits make Scarlet Pearl excellent for decorative pots, window boxes, and ornamental borders. Plants remain attractive indoors as potted specimens. [source]
Drying and preservation
HouseholdScarlet Pearl peppers dry well for decorative arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. Dried peppers retain their vibrant color for months. [source]
Capsaicin and vitamins
MedicinalLike all peppers, Scarlet Pearl contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Used in some traditional remedies for circulation and metabolism. [source]
Bird attractant
WildlifeThe bright red fruits attract songbirds and other wildlife, making Scarlet Pearl valuable for ornithology gardens and attracting beneficial species. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest peppers when fully scarlet red for optimal flavor, sweetness, and ornamental appeal. Green peppers are edible but more bitter. Cut peppers with pruning shears rather than pulling to avoid damaging branches. Regular harvesting promotes continued fruiting. Peppers store well in cool conditions for 1-2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Pearl peppers are technically fruits, not vegetables, botanically speaking—they develop from the flower's ovary and contain seeds.
- 🌱 The bright red color develops only in full sun; peppers grown in shade remain yellow or orange and never reach peak scarlet hue.
- 🌱 Pepper plants can live for multiple years in warm climates and will continue producing fruit, though yields decline in subsequent years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Scarlet Pearl planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Scarlet Pearl 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 Scarlet Pearl timeline →