Growing Zones 3 to 9
Page Number 43
Planting Season Spring
Plant Depth .25
Fertilizer Type 4-6-8
Light Requirements Full Sun
Fragrant n
Edible Parts Fruit
Foliage Color green
Fruit Color Green to Red
Germination 7 to 14
Maturity 55 to 75
Spacing 1.5 ft to 2 ft
Hybrid / Open Pollinated: Open Pollinated
Disease Resistant y
Genus Capsicum
Species annuum
Subspecies Melrose
Common Name Pepper, Sweet, Melrose 

Pepper, Sweet, Melrose 

#T03181
5 star rating
Read Reviews |  Write a Review
  • 30 seeds
  • $3.85
55-75 Days
A superb heirloom brought to the United States from Italy many years ago. Tender and sweet, thin skinned, 4" fruits, turn brilliant red and are produced very early. Flavor is good when harvested green, but becomes sweeter and more intense when allowed to mature. Great fresh, stuffed or fried.

Growing Zone: 3 to 9

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Own Root

State Restrictions

HI

Growing Zones 3 to 9
Page Number 43
Planting Season Spring
Plant Depth .25
Fertilizer Type 4-6-8
Light Requirements Full Sun
Fragrant n
Edible Parts Fruit
Foliage Color green
Fruit Color Green to Red
Germination 7 to 14
Maturity 55 to 75
Spacing 1.5 ft to 2 ft
Hybrid / Open Pollinated: Open Pollinated
Disease Resistant y
Genus Capsicum
Species annuum
Subspecies Melrose
Common Name Pepper, Sweet, Melrose 

Reviews

Write a review
The quintessential Illinois pepper
Feb 15, 2026  |  By Laura Pinch
Brought into our area from Italy a century ago, these are a must for Italian pepper lovers.

Thin walls for quick cooking, amazing flavor and versatility make them one of my favorites. You can stuff and roast them in a little sauce, fry them up with and serve them on some crusty bread or add onions and potatoes for a side dish, make cruschi or add them to sauces and casseroles. They're absolutely delicious no matter what you do.

They also freeze well, either deseeded whole or sliced, so grow enough and you'll have them all winter.

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