Whole and sliced Jimmy Nardello Italian Sweet Peppers on a white background.
Brownish-green, red, and green Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers with some flowers and pepper rings on a light blue background.
Several red Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers with some pepper rings and a red-handled knife in the background.
A green and red Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers intertwined with some Asian coins on a wooden background.
Whole and sliced Jimmy Nardello Italian Sweet Peppers on a white background.
Brownish-green, red, and green Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers with some flowers and pepper rings on a light blue background.
Several red Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers with some pepper rings and a red-handled knife in the background.
A green and red Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers intertwined with some Asian coins on a wooden background.

Sweet Pepper Seeds,
Jimmy Nardello Italian

4.4100 ReviewsSKU: #PP143Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Capsicum annuum). A customer favorite! This fine Italian pepper was grown each year by Giuseppe and Angella Nardello in their garden in the village of Ruoti, in southern Italy. In 1887 they set sail with their one-year-old daughter, Anna, for a new life in the U.S. They settled in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and in their garden grew this same pepper, which they named for their fourth son, Jimmy. This long, thin-skinned frying pepper dries easily. Its rich taste earned it a place in Slow Foods' Ark of Taste. It grows well in most areas.

Growing Tips: Jimmy Nardello peppers thrive in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Regular watering and monthly feedings with organic fertilizer will support their continuous fruit production. These thin-walled peppers are best harvested fully red for peak sweetness and can benefit from light staking to support heavily fruiting stems. Peppers often appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest summer weather.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Perennial in frost free zones; grown as an annual elsewhere.
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
75–85
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–85°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant outdoors once the soil is warm and nighttime temperatures stay above 60°F. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a sterile seed-starting mix. Keep soil temperatures between 75–85°F for best germination. Use a heat mat if needed. Transplant seedlings into larger pots once they have two sets of true leaves, and grow under strong light until hardening off for outdoor planting.

How to Grow

Transplant into compost-rich soil in a sunny location. Space plants 18–24 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. Lightly stake plants if they begin to lean under heavy fruit loads, and pick regularly to encourage continuous harvest.

How to Save Seeds

  • Choose fully ripe, deep red fruits from healthy, true-to-type plants.
  • Cut open the pepper and remove seeds.
  • Spread seeds on a screen or paper towel in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight.
  • Stir daily to ensure even drying.
  • Once completely dry, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
  • Label with variety and year. Seeds remain viable for up to 3-5 years.

FAQ

Are Jimmy Nardello peppers spicy?

No, Jimmy Nardello peppers are completely sweet with zero heat. They have a fruity, rich flavor and are especially prized for their performance in frying and sautéing.

Do Jimmy Nardello peppers need staking?

While the plants are compact, they produce heavy clusters of fruit. Light staking or caging can help prevent branches from bending or breaking under the weight of mature peppers.

Can I grow Jimmy Nardello peppers in containers?

Yes, they grow well in containers of 5 gallons or more. Be sure to provide full sun, regular watering, and monthly feeding with organic fertilizer for vigorous growth and production.

Browse our full range of sweet pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 100 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet, rich flavor: Fruity and sweet with no bitterness, raw or fried in a little oil.

  • Loaded plants: Flush after flush of peppers right up until frost.

  • Ripens early: Turns red sooner than bells; wait for deep red for full flavor.

  • Needs support: Tall and top-heavy with fruit; cage or stake the plants.

  • Heads up: Thin-walled and seedy; some plants stay small or bear little.

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