Pepper, Sweet 'Ace'
F1 Hybrid
Capsicum annuum
An extra-early, highly-productive bell pepper that is extremely reliable. I've trialed other OP varieties, but keep coming back to Ace because I love how early and dependable it is. This variety is widely adapted but performs particularly well in cool climates where bell peppers are difficult to grow successfully.
As you can probably tell, I find peppers and tomatoes just as addicting as flowers! My personal pepper collection has grown to insane levels, so narrowing down the PBF seed selection was a challenge, but I've included all of my absolute favorites. From early and reliable varieties to incredibly rare heirlooms in every shape and color imaginable—super sweet to exceptionally spicy, complex and smokey to bright and citrusy, let's go!
Packet contains approximately 15 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Pepper type: Bell
Days to maturity: 50 green; 70 red ripe
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 12–18” apart in rows 24–36”
Hybrid status: Hybrid
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 80–90°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. Pepper seeds germinate very slowly in cooler soil. When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into 4" pots, bury deeply up to leaves. Grow plants at approx. 70°F day and 60°F nights. At transplant, ideal seedlings have buds, but no open flowers.
Cold treatment information from Johnny's: "Exposing the seedlings to controlled cold treatments can increase the number of flowers and fruits. When the third true leaf appears, grow the plants at a minimum night temperature of 53-55°F (12-13°C) for 4 weeks. The plants should receive full sunlight. After 4 weeks adjust temperature to 70°F (21°C) day and night. If this technique is used, peppers should be seeded 1-2 weeks earlier than usual."
Harvest & Storage
Harvest peppers promptly when they reach full size to encourage further fruit set. Wash and store at 45°F and 95% relative humidity.
Hybrid Seeds (Never GMO)
Please note that hybrid varieties are produced by traditional breeding methods of two distinct OP (open-pollinated) varieties within the same species. This is done for improved qualities, but saved seeds will not produce true to seed. While I tend to prefer most OP varieties, there are some exceptions in which a hybrid is a real winner (like my favorite cherry tomato, Sungold).
It's important to note that this is entirely different from genetic modification. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have DNA (sometimes from non-plant organisms) inserted into their genome via genetic engineering techniques.
We do not sell GMO seeds.
From Johnny's: F1 Hybrid seeds are the result of a cross between two genetically distinct parent plant lines. The plants grown from these seeds will usually show more vigor than either of the two parent plants, and often more vigor and uniformity than similar non-hybrid (standard) varieties. To create a hybrid (F1), traditional breeding methods are used that involve the cross-pollination of two parent varieties that were selected for specific traits.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
Photo Credit: Johnny's Selected Seeds (Photo 2) & Petal Back Farm
