Ampuis Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
The Ampuis sweet pepper is a small-sized variety about 3 inches in diameter and about 3 inches long. The bright red fruits are ribbed and shaped like a lantern with a thin wavy skin. As its name implies, it is originally from the Ampuis region (a municipality in the Rh么ne district). The plant is low rarely growing over 20 inches and it's highly productive producing about two dozen fruits per plant. Its flesh is known for being especially crisp, thin, sweet and very fragrant.聽
The old variety has been grown in the Ampuis region of France since the early 1700's, before the French Revolution. Until about 40 years ago every gardener in the Ampuis region grew this variety to ensure a stable supply of seed. The variety has become rare however as commercial growers favor pepper varieties with more standard shapes that are shipped more easily.聽
Origin: We obtained the parent seed of our Ampuis pepper in the town of Ampuis on the banks of the Rh么ne River.聽We stopped to tour the beautiful village while driving from Lyon to Nice several summers ago. The market was bustling with local producers and the farmer who gave us the seeds was excited by the potential of his peppers eventually being gorwn in gardens far and wide.聽
(Approximately 20 seeds per packet)
Germination Rate: 80% tested 7/23/25
Planting Instructions:聽We recommend starting peppers indoors in a sunny and warm location 4-6 weeks before last frost in spring. Plant outdoors in full sun after danger of frost in spring.聽Note:聽pepper seeds need soil temperatures to be at least 70 F to germinate and we use a heating pad under the seedling tray to maintain temperature.
