Grow Sweet Pepper Afterglow F1 – Early, Luscious Yellow Fruits with Exceptional Sweetness

Sweet Pepper Afterglow F1 is an outstanding early-fruiting variety, renowned for its vibrant transition from green to bright yellow as it matures. The thick-walled, juicy fruits offer a delightful sweetness, making them perfect for a variety of culinary uses, from fresh salads to stuffing and cooking. Compact plants ensure high yields of medium-sized peppers, ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Growing Sweet Pepper Afterglow F1

This variety thrives in the UK’s climate, especially when provided with warmth and shelter. It’s well-suited for greenhouses, polytunnels, or sunny patios.

Sowing and Planting

• Sowing Period: Sow seeds indoors from March to April at approximately 22°C.
• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1 cm deep in seed trays or small pots filled with moist, peat-free compost.
• Germination: Maintain a temperature of 22°C; seeds typically germinate within 7–14 days.
• Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual 7.5 cm pots. When plants reach about 15 cm tall and all risk of frost has passed, move them to their final growing positions—either in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors. Space plants approximately 45 cm apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.

Site and Soil

• Position: Choose a location that receives full sun and is protected from strong winds.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. For container growing, use a high-quality, peat-free multi-purpose compost.
• Preparation: Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into the soil before planting to enhance fertility and drainage.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the soil from drying out.
• Feeding: Once flowering begins, feed plants weekly with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, to encourage fruit development.
• Support: As plants grow taller, they may require staking to support the weight of the developing fruits and prevent branches from breaking.
• Pruning: Pinch out the growing tips when plants reach about 20 cm tall to encourage bushier growth and increased fruit production.

Harvesting

• Timing: Fruits are typically ready to pick from late July through October, depending on sowing time and growing conditions.
• Method: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
• Ripening: Peppers can be harvested when green, but allowing them to mature to a bright yellow colour enhances their sweetness and nutritional content.

Culinary Uses

The Afterglow F1 sweet pepper’s thick, juicy walls and sweet flavour make it a versatile addition to many dishes:

• Fresh Salads: Add sliced raw peppers to salads for a sweet crunch.
• Stuffed Peppers: Their uniform size and shape make them ideal for stuffing with your favourite fillings and baking until tender.
• Stir-Fries: Incorporate into stir-fries for added sweetness and texture.
• Grilling or Roasting: Grill or roast to bring out their natural sweetness, perfect as a side dish or added to sandwiches and wraps.

Growing Afterglow F1 sweet peppers not only enhances your culinary creations but also provides the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce from your own garden.