Dolcetto 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

Variety description

An early-maturing, three-pointed ‘friariello’-type pepper. This variety is suitable for cultivation both in the open field and in greenhouses, but during the spring and summer months. It stands out from other varieties due to the presence of a thin cuticle on the fruit’s skin, which makes it much easier to digest. Choose a full-sun position in light to medium-textured soils. This variety can be intercropped with very early-maturing species, shorter plants or those with very limited foliage. It requires careful attention and timely cultivation. A medium-to-tall plant with single flowers and white petals. When grown in the open field, flowering occurs mainly during the summer. The fruit has relatively thick, sweet flesh (for this type).

Curiosities 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 “chilli” 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 on their own 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 distribution

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

The fruit is an elongated conical berry, 2 to 3 cm wide, 8 to 10 cm long and weighing 15 to 25 g. It has a firm texture, a skin thickness of 2 mm and a uniform colour. Sensory characteristics: it has a sweet, delicate flavour, characterised by a fruity and fragrant aroma. Ripening takes place between summer and autumn. Overall of good quality, this variety is distinguished by its good organoleptic characteristics.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.4 and 1 metre; for some varieties, it is advisable to use stakes to prevent the plant from bending over under the weight of the fruit.

Lifespan

Cultivated as an annual cycle plant.

Where to plant

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

Stem

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

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-small form with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from late spring to mid-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, whereas for ornamental varieties it ranges from 5.0 to 8.0.

Soil preparation

Before spring/summer transplanting, 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 development. 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 surface soil 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 make sure it is watered regularly 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

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.

Difficulty

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

Growing 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.

Combinations with other plants

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 and Tagetes patula, orwith herbs such as Lavandula angustifolia.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds or 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.

Propagation

Propagation can be carried out by sowing seeds in containers.

Repotting

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

Watering

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 moisture level 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 a constant level of moisture 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

Fertilising

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 designed for vegetable plants to the growing medium or soil, diluting it 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

Care video

https://youtu.be/_HsBuq2CkbU

Pet safety

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.

Toxicity for humans

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.

Tip

This variety must be grown from young seedlings with 4–6 true leaves and intact, light-coloured roots that are free from necrosis. The root ball should be left at least 2–5 mm above ground level. The seedling should be transplanted into a raised bed with a mounded top, 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.