Description
Capsicum Paprika Supreme (Capsicum annuum) is a specialty sweet pepper variety cultivated for its vibrant red fruits that are rich in paprika flavour and natural pigments, ideal for drying and grinding into spice or using fresh in culinary dishes. The peppers are typically elongated and tapered, growing up to 15 cm in length, with medium-thick walls and a mild, sweet heat profile.
This variety grows on compact, bushy plants reaching about 60–80 cm in height, producing prolific yields of uniform fruit. It thrives under South Africa’s warm, sunny climates, especially during the spring and summer seasons, and benefits from well-drained soil, regular watering, and consistent feeding with organic compost or balanced fertilisers.
Paprika Supreme is particularly suited for home gardeners, culinary growers, and small-scale farmers looking to produce high-quality paprika spice locally. The plants exhibit good drought tolerance once established and can also be grown in containers or raised beds, making them versatile for both urban and rural setups.
Benefits
Nutritional Benefits
- Exceptionally high in vitamin C (more than oranges when ripe), supporting immune health.
- Contains vitamin A (from beta-carotene), promoting eye and skin health.
- Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress.
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Low in calories, high in fibre – supports healthy digestion and weight control.
Insect Repellant and Pollinator
- Acts as a trap crop for aphids and whiteflies, helping protect nearby plants.
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While not insect-repelling, the flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
Culinary & Medicinal Use
- Popular in salads, stuffed dishes, stir-fries, and as a roasted pepper.
- Dried and ground for sweet paprika spice – adds flavour without heat.
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Used in traditional herbal remedies for digestion, circulation, and rich vitamin content.
High Yield & Versatile Use
- Prolific producer – one plant can yield 10–15 large fruits in a season.
- Suitable for garden beds or large containers.
- Fruits store well post-harvest and are suitable for drying or freezing.
How To Use
Paprika Supreme flourishes under the following conditions:
- Season: Spring and Summer
- Temperature: 20-30°C
- Germinate: 7-14 days
- Depth: 3 mm
- Spacing: 30x30 cm
- Harvest: 80-90 days
- Height: Fruit 15 cm / Plant 60-80 cm
- Flowering Season: Mid-summer
- Exposure: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
Ideal Growing Environment
- Rich, well-drained soil with added compost or worm castings. Ideal pH: 6.0–6.8.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use a balanced organic fertiliser or compost tea every 3–4 weeks during flowering and fruit development.
- Thrives in moderate humidity (50–70%). Avoid prolonged high humidity which may cause fungal issues; ensure good air circulation.
- Performs well in most South African summer climates including Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, and KZN. Protect from frost and strong winds.
- Monitor for pests (e.g., aphids, pepper weevils); use organic methods or companion planting (e.g. marigolds) to deter insects.
- Benefits from being planted alongside basil, parsley, carrots, onions, lettuce, and spinach.
- Intercropping: Pair with basil, marigolds, or clover for pest control and soil health.
- Crop Rotation: Follow with peas, clover, or lettuce. Avoid same family (nightshades or brassicas) in the same bed for 3 years.
- Soil Rejuvenation: Plant after nitrogen fixers to restore nutrients. Namely red clover, white clover, lucerne (alfalfa), peas greenfeast.
- Avoid planting with beans, broccoli and cauliflower – competition may stunt growth.
For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za