This charming heirloom pepper tells a multigenerational story of family preservation, bred by an Ohio family and passed down through generations for its distinctive dark chocolate-brown color and remarkably sweet flavor. These compact 2-inch jewels mature in just 55 days from transplant, though some sources suggest up to 79 days for full color development. Growing 18-24 inches tall in zones 4-13, these miniature bells pack full-sized flavor into perfectly proportioned packages ideal for stuffing.
12
Full Sun
High
4-13
24in H x ?in W
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High
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The deep chocolate-brown color sets this pepper apart from typical bell varieties, creating a striking visual contrast in the garden and on the plate. Despite their diminutive 2-inch size, these peppers boast thick walls and intensely sweet flavor with zero heat, making them perfect for stuffing or adding dramatic color to salads. The compact 18-24 inch plants are surprisingly productive, yielding numerous small bells that mature faster than most varieties. Their Ohio family heritage adds authentic heirloom character to any garden collection.
These miniature bells excel as stuffing peppers due to their perfect 2-inch size and thick walls that hold their shape when cooked. Their striking chocolate-brown color and sweet flavor make them excellent for pickling, where their dramatic appearance creates beautiful preserves. Fresh in salads, they add both visual interest and sweet crunch, while their compact size makes them ideal for appetizer platters and garnishes.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds 8-12 weeks before last spring frost in seed starting mix or well-draining soil with pH around 6.5. Plant seeds 0.25 inches deep and maintain soil temperature between 80-90°F for optimal germination in 7-10 days. Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant to 4-inch pots for continued growth.
Transplant hardened seedlings after last frost danger has passed into sunny, well-draining locations that haven't grown nightshades recently. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches wide, ensuring roots are completely covered and soil temperature has warmed adequately.
Direct sowing is not recommended for this variety.
Harvest when peppers reach their full chocolate-brown to purple-black color and feel firm to the touch, typically 55-79 days after transplanting. The peppers taste best when fully ripe, as harvesting too early or late may result in bitter fruit. Cut stems carefully with garden shears to avoid damaging the plant, allowing continued production throughout the season.
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“These peppers carry the legacy of careful family breeding, developed by an Ohio family who specifically selected for small size and exceptional sweetness. Passed down through generations, this variety represents the dedication of home gardeners who recognized something special in their pepper patch and took the care to preserve it. The family's commitment to maintaining both the distinctive chocolate coloring and compact size has given modern gardeners access to this unique heirloom that might otherwise have been lost to time.”