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James H. Schutte
Solanaceae
CAPSICUM annuum 'Carmen'( Longum Group)
Carmen Chile Pepper, Chile Pepper
The long, slender red fruits of 'Carmen' have a hot-pepper look, but their flesh is tender and sweet. Developed by Janika Eckert and Rob Johnston at Johnny's Selected Seeds, this 2006 All-America Selections Winner is one of numerous members of the Longum group, which encompasses poblanos, serranos, jalapenos, cayenne peppers and various other chilis. These annual vegetables descend from varieties that were grown and selected by Native Americans for thousands of years.
The bushy, knee-high plants bear thin, oval, dark green leaves on stiff brittle stems. Inconspicuous white flowers appear in warm weather, followed by pendent, narrowly conical, often crescent-shaped fruits with relatively thick crisp flesh that ripens from green to red. The sweet-flavored flesh intensifies in flavor as it reddens. The hollow, chambered interior is divided by spongy ribbing which supports many small, flattened, rounded seeds. Fruits may be harvested green or allowed to mature to full color.
This F1 hybrid grows easily in favorable conditions. Full sun, warmth, ample spacing, and fertile well-drained soil are required for good growth and fruit production. It also makes an ornamental and flavorful addition to container plantings. Harvest of green 'Carmen' peppers begins about 60 days after seedlings are planted, with fruits maturing to red about 15 days later. Harvest continues until hard frost, or potentially year-round in frost-free conditions. Vascular wilts and fungal diseases can be a problem in subpar conditions. Pinch off early flower buds to encourage stronger branching and roots. Heavily fruiting plants may break apart under the weight if not staked for support. Harvest ripe fruit daily to encourage new blossoms to form. This sweet Italian pepper is delicious fresh or cooked.
12 - 1
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Vegetable
Full Sun
24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
Indeterminate
Mexico, Central America, South America
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Fast
Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall
Insignificant
White
Red, Green
Green, Dark Green
Green, Dark Green, Black
No
Yes
Single
Medium
Glossy
Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Tropical
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