Grafted Jericho red pepper plants - Capsicum annuum

The Jericho F1 grafted red pepper is a hybrid variety that is fast-growing, vigorous, productive, and disease-resistant. The stout and well-balanced plant produces elongated cuboid fruits, measuring 15 to 18cm (6 to 7in) in length and 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in width. They are initially green before turning red when ripe. The thick flesh is sweet. This annual requires heat and fertile soil. Plant the grafted plugs in March-April. Harvest from July to October. Grafting leads to a faster and more abundant harvest.

The grafting technique consists of giving a desired variety (in this case 'Jericho') the root system of another specially selected variety, called the rootstock. This rootstock has excellent resistance to soil parasites and diseases, which provides extra vigour to the plant. It is then more resistant to difficult external conditions (such as cold climates) and will yield significantly higher than a non-grafted plant. Fruit production starts earlier and lower on the main stem.

Peppers belong to the Solanaceae family and are divided into five major species: Capsicum annuum (the most common), C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, and C. pubescens. The fruits are initially green and take on their definitive colour during ripening: red, yellow, brown, orange, purple, etc. Their shape varies: square, elongated, semi-long, etc.

Peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

In terms of cooking, peppers are used in many cuisines around the world and can be cooked in multiple ways. Peppers can be eaten raw or cooked, stuffed, marinated, grilled, in salads, ratatouilles, etc.

They are greedy plants that require rich soil and sun.

Harvest: the harvest takes place from August to October (or from July for some early varieties). Cut the stem with secateurs or a knife.

Storage: peppers can be stored in a refrigerator for several days. They can also be frozen or dried, or even preserved in water or oil once grilled.

Gardener's tip: we recommend mulching the soil with successive layers of clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps the soil moist and reduces weeds. You can also opt for a mineral mulch (bricks, slate, etc.) which will help accumulate heat.