How to Grow Tango Scarlet
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Tango Scarlet
Capsicum annuum 'Tango Scarlet'
vegetableTango Scarlet is a compact, determinate pepper plant bred for container gardening and small spaces. It produces abundant small, elongated red peppers with a mild, sweet flavor. This cultivar is highly ornamental and productive, making it ideal for patios, balconies, and decorative kitchen gardens.
When should you plant Tango Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Tango Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tango Scarlet
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 Tango Scarlet
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tango Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Grows year-round in zones 10-11; annual in zones 3-9 (plant after last frost)
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge; true leaves develop slowly over 3-4 weeks.
Maintain warm temperatures (75-85°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy to prevent damping-off disease.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks indoors; 2-3 weeks after transplant outdoorsPlant develops sturdy stems, multiple leaves, and a compact bushy form typical of this dwarf cultivar.
Provide full sunlight (12-16 hours under grow lights). Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Once established, water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer.
Flowering
2-3 weeks (flowers continuously)Small white flowers appear in leaf axils; plant remains compact and highly ornamental.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-80°F day, 60-70°F night). Light hand-pollination or gentle shaking aids fruit set. Reduce nitrogen to encourage flowering; use phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Fruiting
4-6 weeks per cropNumerous small peppers develop, initially green then transition to bright scarlet red at maturity.
Maintain adequate watering and consistent nutrient levels. Support plant with stakes if laden with fruit. Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Harvest & Maturation
Continuous through frost or season endPeppers reach full scarlet color and optimal size (2-3 inches long); plant continues producing through season.
Harvest ripe peppers regularly to encourage continued fruiting. Use sharp pruners or scissors to avoid damaging plant. In containers, move indoors before first frost to extend season or treat as annual.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage predatory mites
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch; parasitic wasps
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Remove affected flowers/fruit; blue sticky traps; neem oil; spinosad spray
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Remove infested fruit immediately; insecticide applications; crop rotation; destroy plant debris
Uses
Fresh eating and mild cooking
CulinaryTango Scarlet peppers have a sweet, mild flavor excellent for raw salads, slicing, and light cooking. Their small size makes them ideal for single servings or appetizers. [source]
Roasting and preserving
CulinaryThe small peppers can be roasted whole, dried for paprika, or pickled for long-term storage. [source]
Ornamental container gardening
HouseholdTango Scarlet is prized for its compact habit, abundant flowers, and vibrant red fruit, making it highly decorative for patios, balconies, and indoor windowsills. [source]
Pollinator and bird attraction
WildlifeThe delicate white flowers attract bees and other pollinators; ripe peppers provide food for birds, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Capsaicinoid content
MedicinalLike all peppers, Tango Scarlet contains beneficial capsaicinoids associated with anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits when consumed. [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 they reach full scarlet color for sweetest flavor (green peppers are less sweet and less ripe). Peppers can be harvested at any size once mature. Use pruning shears or sharp knife to cut peppers, leaving stem on plant to avoid damage. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. In containers, continue harvesting until first frost or move indoors to a bright window to extend season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tango Scarlet was specifically bred for compact, container-friendly growth, making it one of the best pepper varieties for apartment dwellers and small-space gardeners.
- 🌱 A single Tango Scarlet plant can produce 30-50+ peppers in a season, making it exceptionally prolific for its size.
- 🌱 The peppers are as ornamental as they are edible—the plant displays flowers and peppers in multiple colors (white flowers, green immature fruit, and scarlet ripe fruit) simultaneously throughout the season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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