Pepper Balalaika Seeds

£1.49

Pepper Balalaika seeds produce high-yielding sweet paprika peppers with bright red, 13cm long fruits. Ideal for drying into sweet powder for goulash and soups, these indeterminate plants can yield over 20 fruits each and thrive in greenhouses or outdoor pots.

Average Packet Contents: 10 Seeds

In stock

SKU: 0914KEY Categories: , ,

Growing Pepper Balalaika Seeds

Pepper Balalaika is a sweet paprika pepper variety that produces an abundance of bright red fruits, each approximately 13cm long. This indeterminate, high-yield pepper plant produces over 20 fruits per plant and is ideal for drying into sweet powder for use in goulash and soups. Suitable for growing in greenhouses or outdoor pots, Pepper Balalaika thrives in rich, moist soil and warm, sunny conditions. As a mid-season pepper, it offers a generous harvest in the middle of the growing season.

Sowing and Germination

  • When to Sow: Early spring
  • Sowing Depth: Surface-sow or barely cover the seeds
  • Germination Temperature: Keep moist and warm above 20°C
  • Germination Time: Approximately 1–2 weeks

Start Pepper Balalaika seeds indoors in early spring. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed compost or barely cover them with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Maintain a consistent temperature above 20°C for optimal germination. Once seedlings appear, place them in a sunny window or under grow lights.

Transplanting and Planting Out

  • When to Transplant: When seedlings are well-developed and the weather is warm
  • Planting Location: Greenhouse or outdoor pots
  • Spacing: Allow sufficient space for growth and support

Transplant well-developed seedlings into individual pots. Once the risk of frost has passed and the weather is warm, move them to their final growing positions in a greenhouse or outdoor pots. As indeterminate plants, they will require support, such as stakes or cages, to manage their growth.

Care and Maintenance

  • Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, well-draining soil
  • Sunlight: Full sun
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
  • Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season

Pepper Balalaika plants need regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Mulching can help retain soil moisture. Feed the plants with a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Harvesting and Culinary Use

  • Maturity: Mid-season
  • Harvest Time: When fruits are bright red and fully matured
  • Culinary Use: Ideal for drying into sweet powder

Harvest the peppers when they are bright red and fully matured. The fruits can be used fresh or dried to create a sweet paprika powder, perfect for adding authentic flavour to goulash, soups, and other dishes.

Growing Tips

  • Support: Provide stakes or cages to support the indeterminate growth habit
  • Temperature: Peppers prefer warm conditions; consider using cloches or a greenhouse for early crops
  • Pests and Diseases: Watch out for common pests like aphids and treat accordingly
  • Easy to Grow: An excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners
Weight 5 g