Capsicum annuum var. annuum (Grossum Group) 'Astor'
sweet pepper 'Astor'
A sweet pepper variety which is early to set fruit and produces an abundance of crops throughout the Summer and into early Autumn. Large peppers up to 25cm long gradually ripen from green to yellow and have a sweet and crisp flavour. Harvest between July and October
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Capsicum are annual or perennial plants, with simple, alternate leaves, and tubular or bell-shaped flowers. They are grown for their glossy, many-seeded edible fruits, including chilli and bell peppers, and as indoor ornamental plants
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow indoors from mid-February to early April in small pots filled with good quality seed compost and maintain a constant temperature between 18-21C. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when two true leaves have formed and grow on in a sunny, sheltered spot. Water regularly and feed with a high potash liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set. See vegetable cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips when plants are about 20cm tall to encourage branching
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and blossom end rot
Get involved
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