Photo: "Sweet Peppers" by F Delventhal · CC BY 2.0

Pepper · Sweet-bell

Corno di Toro Pepper

Annual · Solanaceae

Corno di Toro Red is a classic Italian sweet frying pepper with long tapered 'bull's horn' fruits that roast, grill, and saute beautifully. It is sweeter and thinner-skinned than blocky bells, making it an excellent beginner pepper for cooks who care more about flavor and roasting quality than stuffing shape.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

75–80 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8+ hours, with reflected heat or a warm wall helpful in cooler zones

Spacing

18–24 "

Seed Start

8–12 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

5+ gallon pot

Height

2–3 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–21 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Warm, fertile, well-drained loam rich in organic matter.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Low

Common Problems

blossom-end-rot

Cause: Uneven watering limits calcium movement into fast-growing fruit.

Prevention: Keep soil moisture consistent and avoid letting containers dry hard.

sunscald

Cause: Exposed ripening fruit can bleach or blister after sudden leaf loss or extreme heat.

Prevention: Maintain healthy foliage and avoid over-pruning.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Calcium Critical — supplement recommended

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Silica foliar, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Harvest green for frying or let fruit turn full red for maximum sweetness and roasting flavor.

Expected Yield 4–8 lbs/plant

Storage 10 days — Refrigerate dry fruit in a perforated bag or crisper.

Sources

seed_catalog Urban Farmer university University of Maryland Extension

More Peppers

Corno di Toro Pepper Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Corno di Toro Pepper vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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