Golden Treasure Pepper

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Provide bottom heat to maintain soil temperatures between 70 and 90°F, which dramatically improves germination rates. Pepper seeds are slow to sprout, typically emerging in 10 to 14 days under these conditions.

Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days once they've developed true leaves and night temperatures consistently stay above 55°F. Transplant into the garden after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 18 inches apart with rows 36 inches apart. Dig planting holes slightly deeper than the root ball and water in well to establish soil contact.

Golden Treasure peppers can be harvested at the dark green stage for a firmer texture and grassy note, or left on the plant to ripen fully to golden yellow for peak sweetness. Once peppers reach about 7 to 9 inches and their skin turns glossy and smooth, they're ready to pick. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut peppers cleanly from the stem rather than pulling, which can damage the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering and production throughout the season.

Pinch off the first flower cluster that forms when seedlings are about 6 inches tall to encourage branching and a more robust plant structure. As plants mature and begin heavy fruiting, you can selectively remove lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure, but avoid aggressive pruning that removes too much foliage and exposes fruit to sunscald.