Lipstick Sweet Pepper Seeds – Heirloom (Capsicum annuum)

Lipstick Sweet Pepper – Heirloom, Organically Grown

Capsicum annuum | Annual | 70–74 Days to Maturity

Aptly named for its glossy, lipstick-red fruit, the Lipstick pepper is one of the finest heirloom sweet peppers for home gardens and containers alike. These 4-inch, heart-shaped fruits boast exceptionally thick flesh, outstanding sweetness, and a rich flavor that shines fresh in salads, roasted on the grill, or blended into salsas. Reliably productive even in cooler northern summers, Lipstick outperforms standard bell peppers in regions where a short growing season is the challenge.

Plant Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Type: Heirloom Sweet Pepper (Pimiento-type)
• Days to Maturity: 70–74 days from transplant
• Fruit Size: ~4 inches long, heart-shaped, tapered
• Color Progression: Green → Deep Red
• Heat Level: None (0 SHU) — purely sweet
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright; excellent for containers (5-gallon+)
• Organic: Yes

Soil & Water

Plant in deeply worked, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; target a pH of 6.0–6.8. Water consistently and deeply, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between sessions. Avoid overwatering — soggy roots are the enemy of pepper production.

Planting & Growing Tips

• Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Sow ¼ inch deep in organic seed-starting mix; maintain 80–85°F (27–29°C) soil temperature for best germination (7–28 days).
• Bottom heat from a seedling mat dramatically improves germination speed and uniformity.
• Transplant outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and nights stay above 55°F (13°C).
• Space plants 18–24 inches apart in full sun (6+ hours daily).
• Amend the planting hole with a generous scoop of compost; follow with compost tea every 2–3 weeks for the first 6 weeks.
• Mulch 1–2 inches around the base for moisture retention, weed suppression, and temperature regulation.
• Container growing: use 5-gallon pots minimum; grows well on patios and balconies year-round in warm climates.

Harvest Tips

• Harvest at the fully red stage for peak sweetness and maximum vitamin content.
• Use garden scissors or snips — never pull pods by hand, which can tear stems and stress the plant.
• Pick regularly to encourage continuous fruit set throughout the season.
• Fresh peppers keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; excellent for roasting and freezing.

Seed Saving

For seed saving, allow fruits to ripen fully on the plant to deep red. Use the dry method for small batches — cut the bottom off and remove seeds. For larger harvests, blend with water; viable seeds sink while debris floats. Spread seeds on paper towels and dry in a cool, ventilated spot before storing.