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Organic long red pepper 'Melrose'

Name: Organic long red pepper 'Melrose'
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Organic Melrose Pepper

Latin name Capsicum annuum

Quantity per packet About 25 seeds

Melrose produces abundant harvests of long, tender, sweet peppers with outstanding eating quality. Its excellent productivity and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking flavorful heirloom peppers.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameOrganic Melrose Pepper

Latin nameCapsicum annuum

FamilySolanaceae

TypeVegetable

CycleAnnual

Quantity per packAbout 25 seeds

Code produitBIOVO-0117

Product
description

Organic Long Red Pepper ‘Melrose’ (Capsicum annuum) is an Italian-inspired heirloom annual variety prized for its long red fruits with tender, mild, and sweet flesh. The vigorous plant reaches approximately 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) in height and produces generously during the warm season, bringing strong presence to the vegetable garden with elongated fruits that mature from green to uniform red. Its white summer flowers add subtle interest before developing into an abundant and decorative harvest. Flavorful, productive, and highly versatile, this pepper is ideal for grilling, stir-fries, salads, stuffing, Mediterranean dishes, and fresh eating.

Organic Long Red Pepper ‘Melrose’ should be sown indoors from February to April, about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in Canada. Seeds germinate best in warmth, between 24 and 30°C (75 to 86°F), in a light, fertile, well-drained growing mix. After hardening off, transplant seedlings into full sun once all risk of frost has passed, in organic-rich, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging, especially during flowering and fruit production. Mulch, compost, and balanced fertilization encourage steady production of fleshy fruits.

In the garden, Organic Long Red Pepper ‘Melrose’ fits beautifully into family vegetable gardens, edible gardens, productive beds, and large 15 to 20 L (4 to 5 gal) containers on sunny patios. It grows well alongside tomatoes, eggplants, carrots, onions, and peas, while avoiding proximity to beans and fennel whenever possible. Its small white flowers attract bees and several pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity and strong fruit set. Harvest fruits about 70 days after transplanting, once they become fully red, and pick regularly to encourage continuous production.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodFebruary to April indoors; transplant after frosts

Best time

February to April

Sowing depth0.5 to 1 cm (1/4 to 3/8 in.)

Germination temperature24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F)

Germination time7 to 14 days

Propagation

Propagated from seed. Open-pollinated plants allow seed saving when proper isolation distances are maintained, preserving the characteristics of this heirloom variety.

Growing
method

Start Capsicum annuum seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in Canada. Maintain temperatures between 24 and 30°C (75 to 86°F) for rapid, uniform germination. Once seedlings emerge, provide strong light daily to produce compact, vigorous plants. Transplant into individual containers after several true leaves develop, then harden plants off before planting outdoors. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture and apply organic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Feed with a balanced fertilizer throughout the season to encourage abundant flowering, excellent fruit set, and continuous harvests until autumn.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Rich, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Excellent soil fertility encourages vigorous root development and generous harvests of premium-quality peppers.

Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging. Deep, regular watering promotes the development of thick, flavorful fruits while reducing drought stress.

Fertilization

Incorporate well-aged compost before planting to improve soil fertility and encourage vigorous growth. A balanced fertilizer applied during the growing season supports abundant flowering and the production of premium-quality fruits.

Care levelModerate

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season. Apply organic mulch to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds. Light fertilization during the season supports flowering and fruit production. Stake plants if necessary when heavily loaded with fruit. Harvest ripe peppers frequently to encourage continuous production.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

15 to 20 L (4 to 5 gal)

Melrose Long Red Pepper performs exceptionally well in deep containers with excellent drainage. Use a compost-rich growing mix and place the container where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Regular watering maintains steady growth and encourages the production of high-quality fruits. This heirloom Capsicum annuum variety is ideal for patios, balconies, and small-space gardening.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its long, sweet red fruits offer exceptional flavor and outstanding culinary quality. This heirloom variety is also valued for its generous yields and excellent performance in family vegetable gardens.

Garden use

Melrose Pepper is ideal for family vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, kitchen gardens, and large patio containers. Its long, brilliant red fruits add ornamental beauty while providing generous harvests for fresh cooking. It grows beautifully alongside tomatoes, herbs, and other warm-season vegetables, while its flowers attract pollinators and contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem.

Bloom period

Small white summer flowers quickly develop into long fruits. Warm, sunny conditions encourage excellent fruit set and abundant harvests throughout the season.

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

Harvest fruits approximately 70 days after transplanting. They develop their finest flavor once they become uniformly bright red and fully mature.

Fruiting

Long, sweet red fruits at full maturity.

Wildlife appealPollinators

Size
and facts

Height60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in)

Spread40 cm (16 in)

Growth rateFast

Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Planting
partners

Good companions

Eggplant, carrot, onion, peas, tomato

Avoid planting with

Bean, fennel

Recipe
and inspiration

The long red fruits of Melrose Pepper are prized for their exceptionally sweet flavor and tender flesh. They are delicious fresh in salads, grilled on the barbecue, sautéed, or incorporated into Mediterranean dishes. Their tender texture also makes them perfect for stuffed peppers, roasted vegetables, homemade sauces, and antipasti. Generous harvests provide an abundance of fresh peppers throughout the summer.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Melrose Pepper in Canada? +

Start seeds indoors between February and April to take full advantage of the growing season. Early sowing produces vigorous plants ready for transplanting after the last frost and improves summer harvests.

Why is Melrose Pepper so popular? +

Melrose is prized for its long, exceptionally sweet red fruits, outstanding productivity, and excellent culinary versatility. It is a favorite heirloom variety for Mediterranean cooking.

Can Melrose Pepper be grown in containers? +

Yes. This variety grows exceptionally well in large containers placed in full sun. Excellent drainage and regular watering promote vigorous growth and abundant harvests throughout the season.

When should I harvest the fruits? +

Harvest fruits approximately 70 days after transplanting. They develop their richest flavor and sweetest taste once they become completely red on the plant.

Does Melrose Pepper support biodiversity? +

Yes. Its flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. Although grown primarily for its delicious fruits, it also contributes to a healthy and diverse vegetable garden ecosystem.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.