Capsicum 'Keystone Giant'

Keystone Giant produces large block-shaped sweet fruit to 12cm long. Can be picked green or red. 11-13 weeks to harvest. 35 seeds per packet.
Capsicum 'Keystone Giant'
Capsicum 'Keystone Giant'
Price Per Packet: $ 2.50

Growing Advice

Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum var. annuum (Grossum cultivar group)

Origin:

Capsicum species are native to the Americas.  This heirloom 'Keystone Giant' variety was first bred in the USA.

Culinary Uses:

'Keystone Giant' capsicums are large and square making them great for stuffing as they can sit upright while roasting.  Also nice in salads, stews and a variety of other dishes, anyway you would use shop-brought capsicums this heirloom variety can also be used.  Can be eaten red when it is sweeter and higher in vitamin C or green when it has a pleasant bitterness that can contrast nicely with other flavours in a dish.

Growing Tips:

'Keystone Giant' capsicums should be planted into well drained soil rich in organic matter for best results.  Pick off shoot tips to encourage straggly plants to become bushier.  Don't over-fertilise once established or plants will produce lots of leaves at the expensive of flower and fruit production.  Water regularly and evenly, especially once fruit have set to ensure capsicums reach their full size before ripening.  Capsicums produce the most fruit in a full sun location but will will also grow reasonably well under light shade.  Grows best with a soil pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.  'Keystone Giant' has good resistance to some forms of Mosaic Virus.  This heirloom variety is easy to grow and quite adaptable to non-ideal growing conditions.  Large, vigorous plants.

When To Sow:

In Australia 'Keystone Giant' capsicums can be planted all year round in the tropics and subtropics or from September to November in temperate regions or areas affected by frosts.

How To Sow:

Sow heirloom 'Keystone Giant' capsicum seeds 6mm deep in the soil spacing plants about 45cm apart to allow plenty of room to grow. 

Germination Time:

'Keystone Giant' capsicum seeds take between 12 and 24 days to germinate.

Time To Harvest:

'Keystone Giant' produces large fruits so it takes a little longer than some varieties to produce full-sized fruits.  You first heirloom 'Keystone Giant' capsicums should be ready to pick 11 to 13 weeks after sowing.  Pick the fruit regularly to encourage further flower production.