Jimmy Nardello is a sweet pepper cultivar that brings Italian heritage straight to your garden. This half-hardy annual reaches a compact 24 inches tall and produces peppers ready to harvest in just 80 to 90 days, making it well-suited to zones 9 through 11. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost, then transplant once soil temperatures consistently hit 70°F. The relatively quick maturity combined with moderate water needs and full-sun preference makes this variety accessible for both experienced and newer gardeners looking for reliable pepper production.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
24in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The beauty of Jimmy Nardello lies in its Italian pedigree and practical growing window. It germinates reliably at 70°F and reaches maturity in under three months, giving gardeners a genuine shot at a full harvest even in shorter growing seasons. Plant it 24 inches apart in full sun with moderately moist soil kept between 6.0 and 6.8 pH, and you'll have a compact plant that doesn't demand the space or patience of slower pepper varieties. Its half-hardy nature means it thrives in warm conditions but needs protection if temperatures dip below freezing.
As a sweet pepper, Jimmy Nardello is suited to fresh eating, slicing into salads, roasting, and sautéing. Its relatively quick maturity and moderate plant size make it practical for kitchen gardens where space and growing season are both finite.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your planned transplant date. Maintain a soil temperature of 70°F (ideally up to 90°F for faster germination), and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. This head start allows you to transplant robust seedlings into the garden after your average last frost date.
Transplant seedlings outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, once daytime temperatures are at least 70°F and nighttime temperatures consistently reach 55°F or higher. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 24 inches apart. In mild climates, you may also sow directly in late summer for a fall or winter crop.
Direct sowing is not recommended; starting seeds indoors is the best approach for this variety.
Harvest peppers 80 to 90 days after transplanting. Pick them at whatever stage suits your preference, though fully mature peppers will have developed their full sweetness. Use a clean knife or scissors to cut peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached.
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