Organic 'Marcato' Pepper
Organic 'Marcato' pepper (Capsicum annuum) from the seed company Gaia, a sweet pepper in dehybridization with an intensely sweet flavor
The 'Marcato' pepper produces elongated, horn-shaped fruits with 2–3 lobes , a mild aroma, and an exceptionally sweet flavor. An heirloom variety currently undergoing dehybridization, it may exhibit some variability in fruit shape and size, offering a rustic charm typical of stable lines. The peppers ripen from green to deep red , developing thick, juicy, and fragrant flesh, perfect for grilling, roasting, or raw dishes. The upright plants have excellent foliage cover , protecting the fruits from the sun and supporting consistent production. Tolerant to PVY0,1, this variety is an attractive choice for gardens seeking both resilience and flavor.
Its remarkable sweetness, generous texture and natural adaptation to summer heat make it an ideal variety for both family vegetable gardens and gardeners who appreciate sweet-fleshed peppers.
Companion plants : Alliums, Basil, Tomato, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Marigold
Nefarious plants : Broad beans, Brassicaceae, Fennel
Spread/Habit : Upright and leafy plant
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very sweet fruit, horn-shaped with 2–3 lobes, dehybridized, good foliage cover, PVY0.1 tolerance
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Soft, very sweet and juicy flesh
Cold tolerance : Not hardy
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting time, about 1 cm deep in warm, well-drained potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 25–32°C for successful germination, with an optimum between 27–31°C , usually reached in 7 to 21 days. Harden off seedlings to 18–19°C before transplanting. Place in full sun (level 3) and water moderately (level 2). Space plants 30–45 cm apart, with 45–60 cm between rows. Upright plants will benefit from light support depending on the fruit load.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the first fruits as soon as they reach a suitable size to encourage a more abundant production . Peppers can be harvested green or red depending on their intended culinary use. Store them at 10-12°C with 95% humidity to maintain their freshness and firmness.
Usage ideas
• Grilled to reveal their remarkable sweetness
• Whole roasts or strips for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Stuffed, thanks to their elongated shape with 2–3 lobes
• Raw in salads for a vibrant sweet flavor
• In sauces or stews to enhance the aroma
The 'Marcato' pepper is distinguished by its exceptional sweetness, generous yield, and still-evolving character. An endearing variety with authentic charm, it offers the vegetable garden a rare combination of sweet flavor, hardiness, and stabilization potential.
