Annuals

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy'

Gypsy Sweet Pepper

UnknownCentral America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitcompact bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width18-24 inches

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' is a compact, productive sweet pepper cultivar renowned for its exceptional flavor and reliable performance. This annual vegetable produces bushy plants that typically reach 18-24 inches in height with a similar spread, making it ideal for both garden beds and container cultivation. The plants feature dark green, oval-shaped leaves that provide an attractive backdrop for the developing fruits. The peppers themselves are the star attraction, starting as pale yellow-green fruits that mature through a beautiful spectrum of colors from yellow to orange to bright red when fully ripe. Each pepper measures approximately 3-4 inches in length with thick, crisp walls and a sweet, mild flavor with no heat. The fruits have a distinctive tapered shape that is wider at the shoulders and narrows toward the bottom. Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' is particularly valued for its early maturity and consistent production throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum is native to Mexico and Central America, where wild populations can still be found growing in tropical and subtropical regions. The species has been cultivated for thousands of years, spreading throughout the world via trade routes and becoming naturalized in many warm climates.

Suggested Uses

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container gardens. Its compact size makes it perfect for patio containers and small space gardening. The colorful peppers add ornamental value to edible landscapes and can be used as attractive border plants in mixed gardens. Excellent for fresh eating, cooking, stuffing, and preserving. The sweet flavor and thick walls make it ideal for roasting, grilling, and adding to salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.

How to Identify

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' can be identified by its compact, bushy growth habit and distinctive sweet peppers that change color as they mature. The plants typically remain under 24 inches tall with dark green, smooth-edged leaves arranged alternately on sturdy stems. Small white flowers appear at leaf nodes and develop into the characteristic tapered peppers. The fruits are the key identifying feature - they begin pale yellow-green and progress through yellow and orange stages before reaching their final bright red color at full maturity. Unlike hot pepper varieties, the fruits have thick walls and a sweet flavor with no heat, and they typically measure 3-4 inches in length with a distinctive shoulder-to-tip taper.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-75 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' requires warm conditions and consistent care for optimal production. Plant in full sun locations with well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. Maintain soil moisture with regular watering, providing approximately 1-2 inches per week, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot and poor fruit development. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer once flowering begins to encourage fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth. Provide support with small stakes or cages as plants can become top-heavy when loaded with fruit. Monitor for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and hornworms, and address issues promptly with organic or conventional controls as needed.

Pruning

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' requires minimal pruning but benefits from selective maintenance. Remove any suckers that develop in the leaf joints early in the season to direct energy into main stem development and fruit production. Pinch off the first few flowers to encourage stronger root and plant establishment. Remove any damaged, diseased, or yellowing lower leaves throughout the growing season to improve air circulation and prevent disease. Late in the season, you can top the plants by removing growing tips to redirect energy into ripening existing fruits rather than producing new growth that won't have time to mature before frost.

Pruning Schedule

springsummerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' is non-toxic to humans and generally safe for pets in small quantities. The fruits are edible and safe to consume at all stages of ripeness. However, some individuals may experience digestive upset if consuming large quantities, and the leaves and stems should not be eaten as they may contain low levels of solanine, common to plants in the nightshade family.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended - start indoors

Days to Maturity

60–75 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
basil
oregano
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
beans
Capsicum annuum 'Gypsy' (Gypsy Sweet Pepper) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef