How to Grow Sundevil Pepper
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Sundevil Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Sundevil'
vegetableSundevil is a hybrid bell pepper variety bred for hot, arid climates with exceptional heat and drought tolerance. It produces medium-sized, blocky red peppers with thick walls and excellent flavor. This variety is particularly valued in southwestern growing regions where it thrives in intense sun and heat stress.
When should you plant Sundevil Pepper in your zone?
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Example Sundevil Pepper timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sundevil Pepper
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 Sundevil Pepper
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sundevil Pepper dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best in zones 9-11; can be grown as annual in zones 5-8 with season extension
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Get my Sundevil Pepper timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and pale green
Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F), provide bright light, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, avoid transplant shock by hardening off gradually
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems, multiple branches, and abundant dark green foliage with no visible flower buds
Pinch top to encourage bushiness, maintain steady watering, apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, ensure full sun exposure
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white or cream flowers appear at branch tips; plant may drop some flowers during temperature extremes
Maintain consistent moisture and temperature (65-80°F ideal for fruit set), reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to higher phosphorus formula to support flowering and fruiting
Fruiting
3-4 weeks per fruitGreen peppers develop from flowers; fruits enlarge and thicken over 2-3 weeks, eventually turning bright red at maturity
Provide consistent water during fruit development, mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature regulation, support heavy fruit with stakes if needed, continue phosphorus-rich fertilizer
Harvest
Ongoing through frostPeppers are glossy, firm, and fully colored (red for mature fruit, green for immature); skin is thick-walled and crisp
Pick peppers regularly to encourage continuous production, use clean pruners or scissors to avoid plant damage, harvest in early morning when peppers are firm and full of moisture
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap, strong water spray to dislodge, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, neem oil as last resort
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Increase humidity, spray with water daily, neem oil or miticide products, remove heavily infested leaves
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Use row covers early in season, sticky blue traps, neem oil spray, insecticidal soap
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Remove and destroy affected fruits, use pheromone traps, eliminate nearby wild pepper plants, insecticide application at bloom stage
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Row covers on young plants, diatomaceous earth, yellow sticky traps, neem oil
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinarySundevil peppers have thick walls, crisp texture, and sweet flavor ideal for fresh slicing in salads, stir-fries, roasting, and grilling. The robust fruit holds up well to intense heat without collapsing. [source]
Stuffing and preservation
CulinaryThe large, blocky shape and thick walls make Sundevil perfect for stuffing with rice, meat, or vegetables. Excellent candidate for freezing, canning, or dehydrating for long-term storage. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidants
MedicinalRed mature Sundevil peppers are rich in vitamin C (higher than green stage), carotenoids, and antioxidants that support immune function and eye health. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdRed peppers can be processed to extract natural pigments for textile or craft dyeing applications, creating warm red and orange hues. [source]
Pollinator garden support
WildlifeThe abundant white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making Sundevil a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Sundevil peppers can be harvested at green stage (70-80 days) or left on plant to mature to bright red (90+ days), which develops sweeter flavor. Cut peppers with 1-2 inches of stem attached using clean pruners. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production. In hot climates, pick in early morning to avoid excessive heat damage to remaining foliage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sundevil was specifically bred by Arizona State University's plant breeding program to excel in desert heat and minimal water availability, making it ideal for arid southwestern regions.
- 🌱 Peppers require warm soil and air temperatures to thrive; Sundevil's heat tolerance allows it to set fruit in conditions where other varieties drop blossoms or fail to produce.
- 🌱 A single Sundevil plant can produce 20-30+ peppers in a season under ideal conditions, making it one of the more productive hybrid pepper varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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