Sweet pepper Très Long des Landes plants - Capsicum annuum

The Sweet long Pepper 'très long des Landes' is a productive variety with rapid development, offering good yields. It produces long and thin fruits with a sweet flavour. It is a plant that is grown as an annual, requiring heat and requiring very rich soil. The plants of 'très long des Landes' are planted in March - April for a harvest from August to October.

The Bell Pepper and the Chili Pepper come from the same plant! They are successive selections that have led to the Bell Pepper, with a sweet flavour, and the Chili Pepper, with a spicy flavour. The strength of Chili Peppers is measured on the Scoville scale, ranging from 0 to 10 (0 corresponding to the Bell Pepper). They were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus and quickly spread around the world. Apart from a few varieties, Bell Peppers and Chili Peppers are plants grown as annuals in our climate.

They belong to the Solanaceae family and are divided into five major species: Capsicum annuum (the most common), Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens.

The fruits, initially green, will take on their final colour during ripening: red, yellow, brown, orange, purple. Their shape is variable: square, elongated, and more.

Bell Peppers and Chili Peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, including capsaicin, which is responsible for the more or less burning flavour of these fruits.

In terms of cuisine, Bell Peppers and Chili Peppers are present in many cuisines around the world and can be cooked in multiple ways. Bell Peppers can be consumed raw or cooked, stuffed, marinated, grilled, in salads, in ratatouille. While Chili Peppers, fresh or dried, enhance and spice up dishes according to their strength.

These fruity vegetables are nutrient-demanding plants, requiring very rich soil and enjoying exposure to full sun.

Harvesting: Harvesting takes place from August to October (or from July for certain varieties), by cutting the peduncle with pruning shears or a knife.

Storage: Bell Peppers and Chili Peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. They can also be frozen or dried.

Gardener's tip: We recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also limits weed growth. You can also opt for a mineral mulch (bricks, slate, gravel) which will help accumulate heat.