How to Grow Ursula's Red
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Ursula's Red
Capsicum annuum var. longum
vegetableUrsula's Red is a distinctive heirloom chili pepper variety known for its long, slender, wrinkled red fruit with intense heat and complex fruity flavor. This open-pollinated cultivar produces abundant yields of moderately-sized peppers that ripen from green to a deep crimson red. The plant is prized by hot pepper enthusiasts and grows well both in containers and garden beds.
When should you plant Ursula's Red in your zone?
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Example Ursula's Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ursula's Red
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 Ursula's Red
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ursula's Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; grows as annual in zones 3-4 with season extension
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny green cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is small, delicate, and establishing roots.
Maintain warm conditions (70-80°F), consistent moisture, and bright light. Provide bottom heat if starting early. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves, becomes bushy, and establishes strong root system. Stem thickens and branches form.
Ensure adequate light to prevent legginess. Harden off seedlings before transplanting. Maintain warm temperatures (65-80°F). Transplant when 4-6 inches tall.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches mature size in garden with dense foliage. Buds begin forming at branch nodes but no flowers yet.
Support with stakes or cages as needed. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Begin regular feeding schedule with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering & Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall white flowers appear in clusters at leaf nodes. Flowers self-pollinate and drop, replaced by tiny green pepper fruits that elongate and thicken.
Maintain consistent watering as fruit develops. Switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage fruit production. Hand-pollinate if bee activity is low. Provide support for heavy fruiting branches.
Fruit Maturation & Harvest
3-4 weeks per pepper; staggered over 6-8 weeksPeppers elongate to full size (3-4 inches), color develops from green through yellow, orange, and finally deep red. Skin becomes slightly wrinkled at full ripeness.
Continue consistent watering and feeding. Harvest mature red peppers to encourage additional flowering. Provide shade cloth in extreme heat to prevent sunscald. In cool climates, allow fruit to mature fully on plant for peak heat and flavor.
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; introduce predatory mites
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; insecticidal soap; vacuum adults with small handheld device
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Remove affected leaves; use blue sticky traps; spray with neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
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Remove affected fruit immediately; use pheromone traps; apply spinosad; practice crop rotation
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and
(soil-borne fungi)
Use disease-resistant varieties; rotate crops; avoid wetting foliage; improve soil drainage; remove affected plants
Uses
Hot sauces and salsas
CulinaryUrsula's Red peppers are excellent for making spicy hot sauces, salsas, and pepper pastes. Their fruity undertones complement vinegar and fermented preparations beautifully. [source]
Fresh cooking and drying
CulinaryUse fresh in stir-fries, curries, and cooked dishes for moderate to hot heat. Dry the peppers for storage and grinding into chili powder or flakes. [source]
Capsaicin health benefits
MedicinalRed hot peppers contain capsaicin, which may support circulation, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief. Used traditionally in various healing preparations. [source]
Natural pest deterrent
HouseholdDried Ursula's Red peppers can be infused into oils or sprays to create natural pest deterrents for the garden and home. [source]
Ornamental and decorative
CraftThe abundant long red fruit and bushy growth habit make Ursula's Red an attractive ornamental plant for patio containers and garden beds. Peppers can be dried and used in wreaths and decorative arrangements. [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 red color for peak heat and flavor (60,000-80,000 Scoville Heat Units). Use pruning shears or knife to avoid damaging branches. Pick green peppers early if necessary, but fruit will have less heat and complex flavor. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Mature fruit will feel firm with slight give when gently squeezed. Store in cool, dry conditions or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ursula's Red is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, meaning seeds saved from mature fruit will produce identical plants next season—making it economical for gardeners who save seeds.
- 🌱 The characteristic wrinkled texture of mature red Ursula's Red peppers is a sign of full ripeness and peak flavor development, unlike smooth green peppers harvested earlier.
- 🌱 Peppers contain more vitamin C by weight than citrus fruits, and the red color indicates high concentrations of lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants that develop as peppers ripen.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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