Confusing Days to Maturity for Peppers

Don S · November 29, 2018

When scanning catalogs for pepper seeds, I noted some inconsistencies in the listed Days to Maturity. It is generally accepted that DTM begins when the seedling is transplanted into the garden, but when does it end? Most peppers go through two or more color stages (i.e. green to red) and are usually pickable at more than one color. Johnny Seeds is the only major retailer to list two dates: when the plant is first ready to harvest (first color) and when it has fully ripened (last color). Almost everyone else just quotes one number for DTM.

I sent emails to nine companies I have bought veggies from in the past, asking them what their pepper DTM meant. Three said it ended at first color. Two said final color or fully ripe. Two sent confusing or contradictory answers and two didn't respond.

So I guess the safest thing is to check the DTM for the same variety from several sellers (including JohnnySeeds if they carry it), and look for clues in the descriptions as to which color stage is meant. And of course always remember that local weather or soil conditions can affect the ripening process so DTM is always just an estimate.

November 29, 2018	#1
Don S Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Westbrook, CT Posts: 41	Confusing Days to Maturity for Peppers When scanning catalogs for pepper seeds, I noted some inconsistencies in the listed Days to Maturity. It is generally accepted that DTM begins when the seedling is transplanted into the garden, but when does it end? Most peppers go through two or more color stages (i.e. green to red) and are usually pickable at more than one color. Johnny Seeds is the only major retailer to list two dates: when the plant is first ready to harvest (first color) and when it has fully ripened (last color). Almost everyone else just quotes one number for DTM. I sent emails to nine companies I have bought veggies from in the past, asking them what their pepper DTM meant. Three said it ended at first color. Two said final color or fully ripe. Two sent confusing or contradictory answers and two didn't respond. So I guess the safest thing is to check the DTM for the same variety from several sellers (including JohnnySeeds if they carry it), and look for clues in the descriptions as to which color stage is meant. And of course always remember that local weather or soil conditions can affect the ripening process so DTM is always just an estimate.