How to Grow Tasso Bicolor Pepper
Tasso Bicolor Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Tasso Bicolor'
vegetableTasso Bicolor is an ornamental and culinary pepper variety that produces small, elongated fruits that ripen from yellow to deep red on the same plant, creating a striking bicolor display. Known for its high productivity and attractive appearance, it's excellent for both container gardening and in-ground cultivation. The peppers have a mild to moderate heat level and are commonly used fresh or dried for cooking.
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Example Tasso Bicolor Pepper timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tasso Bicolor 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 Tasso Bicolor Pepper
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tasso Bicolor Pepper dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-11; excellent in zones 7-9. Can be grown in zones 3-4 with protection or as an annual.
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and tender
Keep soil moist but not saturated. Provide consistent warmth (70-75°F). Use grow lights if indoors. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Transplant/Establishment
2-3 weeks after transplanting to gardenPlants 4-6 inches tall with multiple sets of true leaves, ready for larger containers or garden
Harden off gradually over 7-10 days. Plant after frost danger and when soil reaches 60°F. Stake or cage for support if needed.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksVigorous leaf and stem development; plant reaches 18-24 inches tall with bushy structure
Pinch tops early for bushier growth. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth. Begin fertilizing with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich formula every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering
3-4 weeks, overlaps with fruitingSmall white flowers appear at branch intersections; flowers attract pollinators
Maintain warm temperatures (75-85°F). Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Ensure pollinator access or gently shake flowers to aid pollination. Some early flower drop is normal.
Fruiting & Harvest
8-12 weeks; continues until frostSmall 2-3 inch peppers develop and change color from green to yellow to red on the same plant, creating a striking multicolor display
Continue watering consistently. Shift to lower nitrogen fertilizer to promote coloring. Support heavy fruit load with stakes or cages. Pick immature peppers to encourage continued production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; strong water spray to dislodge
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Increase humidity; mist foliage; neem oil sprays; miticide if severe
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; insecticidal soap; vacuum small infestations
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Remove and destroy infested fruits; spinosad spray; sanitation of fallen fruit and debris
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Improve air circulation; sulfur powder; neem oil; remove affected leaves; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Fresh cooking and salads
CulinaryTasso Bicolor peppers are mild to moderately spicy and can be eaten fresh at any color stage. They work well in stir-fries, salads, salsas, and as garnishes, with the red peppers offering slightly sweeter, more complex flavors than their yellow counterparts. [source]
Drying and spice production
CulinaryThese peppers are traditionally dried to create paprika-like spices. When fully red and dried, they develop concentrated flavors suitable for seasoning powders and spice blends. [source]
Ornamental container gardening
HouseholdThe striking bicolor display of yellow and red peppers on the same plant makes Tasso Bicolor an attractive ornamental specimen for patios, decks, and indoor spaces. Both fruits and flowers add visual interest. [source]
Capsaicin and antioxidants
MedicinalLike all peppers, Tasso Bicolor contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant small white flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators while the plant is blooming, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick peppers at any stage—they are edible from green through yellow to red. For maximum color display and sweetness, wait for red stage (60-75 days after flowering). Peppers can be left on plant through season or harvested regularly to encourage more production. Use pruning shears to avoid damaging branches. For drying, allow peppers to fully mature to red on the plant. Can be harvested until first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tasso Bicolor's name comes from the Italian word 'tasso' (badger), referencing the plant's somewhat aggressive and prolific growth habit; 'Bicolor' refers to the striking yellow-to-red color transition visible simultaneously on the same plant.
- 🌱 A single Tasso Bicolor plant can produce 200+ small peppers in a season under ideal conditions, making it one of the most productive ornamental pepper varieties available.
- 🌱 The plant's peppers ripen sequentially over weeks rather than all at once, ensuring continuous harvests and a long aesthetic display period—often producing fruit from early summer through the first frost.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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