Pepper - Ozark Giant

Minimum Seed Count: 20

When it comes to size, few peppers can compete with Ozark Giant. This heirloom sweet pepper produces enormous blocky fruits with thick walls, crisp texture, and outstanding sweet flavor. The peppers often grow much larger than standard bell peppers, making them ideal for stuffing, grilling, roasting, and fresh eating. Productive plants yield heavily throughout the season, providing an abundance of giant peppers that are as impressive on the plate as they are in the garden.

Plant Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Plant Type: Sweet bell pepper
• Days to Maturity: 80–90 days from transplant
• Plant Height: 24–36 inches
• Fruit Size: Extra-large blocky peppers, often 4–6 inches across
• Fruit Color: Green ripening to bright red
• Heat Level: 0 SHU

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix.
• Maintain soil temperatures between 80–90°F.
• Germination typically occurs within 7–21 days.

Transplanting

• Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before planting outdoors.
• Transplant after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F.
• Space plants 18–24 inches apart.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
• Rich, fertile, well-drained soil
• Consistent moisture throughout the growing season
• Mulch to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Care

• Fertilize regularly to support the development of large fruits.
• Stake or cage plants, as the heavy peppers can weigh down branches.
• Water deeply during flowering and fruit production.

Harvesting

• Harvest green for a crisp, mild flavor.
• Allow fruits to ripen to bright red for maximum sweetness.
• Use pruners or scissors to harvest without damaging the plant.

History

Ozark Giant was developed in the Ozark region of the United States and became popular for its combination of massive fruit size, sweet flavor, and reliable production. For generations, gardeners have grown this variety as a dependable heirloom capable of producing some of the largest sweet peppers in the garden.