Cuneo Rosso F1

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Capsicum

Species

annuum

Description

Belonging to the botanical genus Capsicum, which includes peppers and chillies, including ornamental varieties. Suitable for growing both in pots and in beds, it requires cultivation practices such as fertilisation and watering, which must be carried out appropriately and at the right times to ensure an excellent final yield in terms of both quality and quantity. Vegetable varieties are in fact grown for food purposes due to their fruits, known as berries, which have an unmistakable flavour and vary in shape, colour and heat. In ornamental varieties, the fruits, which come in different shades such as orange, yellow and red, make the plant particularly pleasing to the eye; as they are often edible too, they combine quality and beauty as well as practicality, placing the chilli in a category halfway between ornamental and vegetable.

Species Video

https://youtu.be/J2dzzkDqd9Q https://youtu.be/J2dzzkDqd9Q

https://youtu.be/7p0CWyAhLes

Varietal description

A compact, bushy pepper variety that is also fairly vigorous. It has a relatively early growing season and is suitable for cultivation both in the open field and in greenhouses. For best results, grow in full sun, in light to medium-textured soils. This plant can be intercropped with shorter plants, as it has a very limited canopy and a much shorter growing season. It requires a great deal of attention and timely cultivation. It is a medium-sized plant with single flowers and white petals; when grown in the open field, flowering occurs during the summer. The fruit is very sweet and has thicker flesh than other varieties. The edible part is also easy to clean, making this variety highly suitable not only for the fresh market but also for industrial processing.

curiosity and special features

Capsicum is thought to derive from the Latin ‘capsa’ meaning capsule or box, in reference to the fruits, known as berries, which are often hollow inside, whilst the term “peperoncino” became widespread in the 20th century to refer to a small pepper and due to its similarity in heat to “Piper”, i.e. pepper.

Some varieties are commonly referred to as “ornamental chillies”, but this term should not be misleading, as some of them are also edible, containing a moderate amount of capsaicin which gives them their characteristic pungent or spicy sensation.

In the English-speaking world, ornamental chilli varieties are called "Christmas pepper plants" as their fruits are often used for Christmas decorations.

Peppers, rich in fibre, minerals, vitamin A and vitamin C, are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine both raw in salads and cooked, eaten as they are or as an ingredient in pasta, meat or fish dishes, baked, stuffed or preserved in oil; to improve digestibility, we remove the seeds and white inner parts, and we eat the fruit when ripe. Chilli peppers, a source of B vitamins, vitamin C and potassium, are also prized in cooking for adding a unique touch to a wide range of dishes.

Also worth mentioning is paprika, a spice obtained by grinding peppers or chillies.

Origin and Diffusion

According to phytogenetic research and archaeological evidence, the wild ancestor of the C. annuum species is native to Central and South America, where it was domesticated by indigenous peoples in what is now Mexico around 6,000–7,000 years ago, with different cultivars being selected for their shape, size and degree of spiciness of the berries, which were an important food source for many local civilisations, including the Aztecs.

It was Christopher Columbus, on his return from one of his voyages to the New World, who brought the seeds to Europe; subsequently, the plant spread throughout the continent, as far as Africa and Asia.

Capsicum annuum isthe species, among the five belonging to the genus Capsicum, most widely cultivated worldwide, with numerous varieties distinguished by the shape and colour of the berries, as well as their content of capsaicinoid alkaloids, which give them their characteristic heat, measurable on the Scoville scale. Of particular interest are the ornamental varieties, which add a unique touch to outdoor planters and pots.

Leaf

The leaves have elliptical, oval, lanceolate lamina.

Fruit/product

The fruit is conical in shape, weighing between 150 and 250 g, with a width of 8 to 12 cm, a length of 10 to 12 cm and a thickness of 5 mm, and has a firm texture. The colour is uniform across the entire surface. In terms of sensory characteristics, the fruit is distinguished by a sweet flavour with a delicate taste and a fruity aroma, giving it a fragrant quality. Ripening takes place between summer and autumn. This is a variety with excellent organoleptic characteristics and a wide range of culinary uses, characterised by a marked sweetness and excellent fruit quality, and is of good overall quality.

Leaf color

Solid colours.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.6 and 0.8 metres; for some varieties, it is advisable to use stakes to prevent the plant from lodging under the weight of the fruit.

Lifespan

Cultivated as an annual cycle plant.

Suggested planting locations

This variety is suitable for growing in open ground, large pots, flower beds and outdoor planters.

Stem/stem

The stem is semi-woody, and this variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple, medium-sized, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 2 and 10 days. It is attractive to bumblebees and bees.

Growth

This variety is a determinate grower.

Plant habit

The plant grows upright.

branching

The branching is medium overall, giving the plant a proportionate habitus.

pH

For vegetable varieties, the ideal soil pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.0, whilst for ornamental varieties it ranges from 5.0 to 8.0.

soil preparation

Before spring/summer planting, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, large stones and residues from previous crops. Then work in chemical or organic fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients during the early stages of growth. Next, use a spade to break up the denser, coarser clods of soil to ensure better distribution of the fertiliser. To prevent harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by slightly mounding the soil and, for vegetable varieties, prepare drainage furrows. Finally, carefully level the surface and mark out the planting holes.

During the growing season, use appropriate tools such as a hoe to loosen the topsoil to remove weeds within the growing area and break up any surface crust.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

sun exposure

To ensure abundant flowering and, consequently, a bountiful harvest, place the plant in full sun and ensure it is watered adequately during the hottest periods.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a warm and relatively humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 29 °C. Plant it outdoors once there is no longer any risk of frost, even late frosts.

We recommend not growing the plant in extreme temperatures but keeping it in optimal, moderate temperature and humidity conditions.

Use

A variety popular in the:
Agri-food

Hardiness

A variety of moderate hardiness; with specific cultivation practices carried out at the right times, excellent growth and final yield results can be achieved.

Soil/medium

It prefers medium-textured, cool, well-drained and enriched soil; for growing in containers or pots, we recommend a specific potting mix for vegetables or, for ornamental varieties, a substrate for spring-flowering plants.

Maintenance

Cultivation is moderately difficult and requires a moderate level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips and practices for this variety:
Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Avoid overwatering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day Place outdoors once there is no longer a risk of frost Prefers a warm, humid climate Requires little but regular fertiliser Exposure to direct light

Intercropping/combination

Vegetable varieties can be grown alongside watercress, lettuce and radishes.

Composition

To create harmonious overall effects, both in terms of colour and perspective, we can use ornamental chilli plants in combination with other species such asPelargonium, Tagetes patula orwith herbs such as Lavandula angustifolia.

planting

For planting in beds or in open ground, an average density of3 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure sufficient space for optimal vegetative growth followed by abundant fruiting; Transplant young plants with roots that are not necrotic and dark but light in colour (white) and a moist root ball into a raised bed of 15–20 cm, keeping the collar slightly above the soil surface. Water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning, without causing excessive waterlogging which leads to root asphyxia.

For some vegetable varieties, it is advisable to install supports promptly, at least before flowering, using clips, raffia or string, leaving sufficient space for the stem to grow and thicken.
However, positioning the stakes before transplanting would be optimal, as this would avoid damaging the roots, unlike when done after transplanting. Staking effectively counteracts the plant’s tendency to lodge, caused by fruit set and growth which shifts the plant’s centre of gravity upwards.
In the event of lodging, when the root ball tips over, several important roots are torn out and, as a result, some or even many fruits may be exposed and scorched, rendering them unusable. Lodging always leads to a much lower yield than normal, which is why staking is always recommended.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

pruning

Harvest the fruit with clean-bladed shears once it has reached the correct size and colour, thereby encouraging subsequent flowering and fruit set, which leads to a gradual and continuous ripening process.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be carried out by sowing seeds in containers.

potting

Any potting should be carried out in spring with young seedlings.

Irrigation

Do not allow the plant to become water-stressed, as this could lead to a significant drop in final yield; during the hot summer months, watering should be carried out more frequently.
A balanced water regime in both the atmosphere and the soil helps prevent the presence or onset of diseases harmful to the plant and, at times, to the fruit as well.

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water, applying it manually or via an irrigation system.

Water immediately after transplanting and support the seedling to ensure proper rooting in the new location, maintaining the soil at a constant moisture level without waterlogging.

Subsequently, water until the soil is thoroughly saturated without causing waterlogging on the surface. Prevent the soil from drying out completely and avoid watering the above-ground parts of the plant in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the development of fungal diseases; also, always check the soil moisture level before watering.

For best results, water the plantation after harvesting the fruit.

When sowing, we recommend that, after burying the seed completely and covering it with substrate and non-woven fabric, you keep the soil moist until the shoot emerges.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

Fertilisation must be carried out regularly and in a balanced manner.

Before transplanting, work an organo-mineral fertiliser into the soil to provide a base dressing, which helps ensure the nutrients the seedling needs during the early stages of growth.

After transplanting, during the growing season, it is advisable to apply a water-soluble fertiliser specifically for vegetable plants to the growing medium or soil, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the appropriate dosages and frequencies as indicated on the label of the product purchased. It is necessary to ‘build up’ a well-developed plant before fruit set; otherwise, the fruit will not be covered by leaves and will inevitably suffer from sunscald.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Video

https://youtu.be/_HsBuq2CkbU

Pet friendly

Avoid administration and take into account the specific case and the type of animal.

Edibility for humans

The berries of horticultural varieties and certain ornamental varieties are edible if harvested and stored correctly.

Human toxicity

Peppers and chillies contain solanine, which, if consumed in excessive quantities, can cause toxicity, as can capsaicin, found in hot chillies; please consider your specific circumstances regarding any intolerances or contraindications related to your individual health.

advise 1

This species must be grown strictly from young seedlings with a maximum of 4–6 true leaves and intact, light-coloured roots that are free from necrosis. The seedling should be transplanted into a raised bed that is at least 15–20 cm high. It is extremely important to remove the first flower and, if the weather has been cool enough to prevent normal root and vegetative development of the plant, also some of the subsequent flowers. This will ensure a better balance between growth and fruit production.