About Sweet Banana Pepper: The pepper is native to Central and South America, where Christopher Columbus and other explorers discovered it and took it with them back to Europe at the end of the 16th century. They became called "pepper" in Spanish, or pimiento, because their spicy flavor brought the spice black pepper to mind. For their excellent qualities, Sweet Banana peppers won the prestigious AAS Award in 1941.
Sweet Banana Pepper Germination: Start pepper seeds indoors in peat pots about 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Sow them 1/4" deep and keep the soil at 80-85 degrees F until germination; provide sunlight or a grow light for 12-16 hours a day. When the outdoor temperature reaches 60-65 degrees F during the day and no less than 50 degrees F at night, transplant the seedlings 12-16" apart. Exposing the plants to the weather for several hours a day before transplanting may help prevent shock. Peppers also grow well in containers or raised beds.
Growing Sweet Banana Pepper Seeds: Keep the soil evenly moist and weeds under control; mulching the plants may help with this. If excess heat and sun cause the plants to wilt, provide shade.
Harvesting Sweet Banana Pepper: Harvesting sweet peppers is basically a matter of personal preference regarding color and sweetness. Generally, the longer the peppers mature on the vine, the sweeter they will taste. Mature peppers, however, signal the plant to stop producing; if the peppers are picked when still at the green stage, the plant will go on producing. Always use a knife or scissors to remove peppers to prevent damage to the fragile stems.
Saving Sweet Banana Pepper Seeds: Keep in mind that peppers will cross pollinate with other varietes of pepper, so isolation or caging may be necessary to preserve genetic purity. Allow the pepper to fully mature, than cut it open and remove the seeds. Spread out the seeds to dry for about two weeks. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to two years.
Detailed Sweet Banana Pepper Info: Capsicum annuum. Annual. 65 days. 5,000 seeds per oz. 24-36" height. 12-18" spacing. Produces 5-6" sweet, banana shaped peppers that mature from pale green to yellow to red.