Melrose Pepper | Live Plants | Non-GMO | Heirloom Italian Sweet Pepper | Garden Favorite
Melrose Pepper is a beloved heirloom variety known for its sweet flavor, thin skin, and culinary versatility. Originating from Italy and cherished in Italian-American kitchens, Melrose Peppers are excellent fried, grilled, roasted, or fresh in salads. These mild peppers ripen from green to glossy red, offering abundant harvests from summer through early fall and attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Easy-care and productive, Melrose Pepper plants thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Plants yield numerous elongated, tapered peppers 4-6 inches long, ideal fresh or cooked, adding delicious flavor to meals. Whether grown in beds or containers, Melrose Peppers deliver reliable, tasty results for all gardeners. (Capsicum annuum 'Melrose')
The beloved Melrose Pepper was first cultivated in Melrose Park, Illinois, by Italian immigrants who brought pepper seeds from their hometowns in Italy during the early 1900s. Known for their sweet, mild flavor and tender skin, these peppers became a cherished ingredient in Italian-American cooking, symbolizing the community’s proud heritage and culinary traditions. Today, they're celebrated annually at festivals honoring Melrose Park's rich Italian roots.
Clovers Garden Melrose Pepper Plants:
- Two Large, Live Plants – Premium-quality Melrose Pepper plants, 4” to 10” tall, in 4” pots.
- Non-GMO, No Neonicotinoids – Grown naturally without harmful chemicals to protect pollinators.
- 10x Root Development – Strong, healthy plants ready to thrive in your garden from day one.
- Grown in the Midwest – All plants grown in the USA, managed carefully from seed to shipment.
- Sweet, Mild Italian Heirloom – Ideal for authentic Italian dishes, grilling, frying, and fresh eating.
- High-Yielding – Produces abundant, elongated peppers averaging 4-6 inches in length.
- Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity and health.
- Excellent for Containers – Compact, sturdy growth ideal for patio containers and small gardens.
- Fast Shipping and Careful Packaging – Securely packaged for safe, eco-friendly delivery.
- Quick Start Planting Guide – Easy-to-follow planting instructions included with every order.
- Third Generation, Family-Owned Small Business – Trusted by gardeners since 1957.
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
How to Grow and Care for Melrose Pepper:
- Sunlight – Thrives best in full sun (minimum 6-8 hours daily).
- Soil – Prefers rich, well-draining garden soil; amend with compost if needed.
- Watering – Regular watering, ensuring consistent moisture without over-saturation.
- Spacing – Plant 18-24 inches apart to encourage healthy growth and airflow.
- Maintenance – Minimal care required; provide support if plants become heavily loaded with peppers.
- Pest Prevention – Practice regular garden hygiene and check frequently for pests.
Common Questions About Melrose Pepper:
How big do Melrose peppers grow? Melrose peppers typically grow 4-6 inches long and have a sweet, mild flavor.
Are Melrose peppers spicy? No, Melrose peppers are sweet and mild, perfect for fresh eating and cooking.
How long until Melrose peppers are ready to harvest? They usually mature within 70-80 days after transplanting to the garden.
Can Melrose peppers be grown in containers? Yes, their compact size makes them excellent for patio pots or container gardens.
Do Melrose peppers attract pollinators? Yes, their blooms attract beneficial pollinators, enhancing garden health.
When should I pick Melrose peppers? Harvest them green for mild flavor or wait until fully ripe and red for enhanced sweetness.
Are Melrose pepper plants high yielding? Yes, they produce abundant harvests, ideal for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.
What type of soil is best for Melrose peppers? Rich, well-drained garden soil amended with compost is best.
Are Melrose peppers good for grilling and frying? Yes! They’re particularly popular grilled, roasted, fried, or sautéed due to their thin skin and sweet flavor.
Companion Plants for Melrose Pepper:
- Tomatoes & Basil – Enhance flavor and natural pest resistance.
- Marigolds & Nasturtiums – Attract pollinators and repel harmful insects.
- Oregano & Thyme – Aromatic herbs complementing the pepper’s flavor.
- Onions & Garlic – Promote garden health and deter pests.
Pollinator & Garden Benefits: Melrose Pepper plants provide delicious sweet peppers while attracting beneficial pollinators. Easy to grow and highly productive, these peppers are perfect for culinary dishes, container gardening, and enhancing garden biodiversity.