Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana'
Sweet Banana Pepper
Open-pollinated cultivar; the species C. annuum is native to Central and South America
Overview
Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana' is Sweet Banana pepper, an annual growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Elongated curved banana-shaped peppers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, tapering to a point. Ripen from pale yellow-green to golden-yellow (harvest at either stage). Thick-walled and crisp with zero heat (0 Scoville units) — a sweet pepper, not hot. White star-shaped 5-petaled flowers. Dark green smooth ovate foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Open-pollinated — seed can be saved. 25-30 fruit per plant per season. Do not confuse with hot banana peppers (C. annuum 'Hot Hungarian Wax') which look similar but have 5,000-10,000 Scoville units. Fruit production slows when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) — the primary limitation in hot climates. Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Tender annual — killed by frost. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar. The species C. annuum is native to Central and South America (Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Sweet pepper — zero heat. Open-pollinated — save seeds. 25-30 fruit per plant. Non-toxic. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer (July-September). White star-shaped 5-petaled flowers continuously. Self-pollinating. Fruit 65-75 days from transplant. Continuous production until frost.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, star-shaped, 5-petaled, 0.5 inch (12 mm)Foliage Description
Dark green, smooth ovate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Start indoors 8 weeks early. Compact — cage or short stake. Pick regularly. Fruit production slows above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). Open-pollinated — save seeds. Non-toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove the first few flowers to build a stronger plant. Pick fruit regularly. Remove lower leaves touching soil. No heavy pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
8 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After last frost when soil temperature reaches 65 degrees F (18 degrees C)+
Days to Maturity
65–75 days
Plant Spacing
18 inches