Yellow varieties of sweet bell peppers differ from red varieties not only in their color. The main difference between them is the concentration of nutrients. Yellow peppers have more vitamin C and pectin, while red peppers have more beta carotene. That is why yellow varieties of sweet peppers are a godsend for people who adhere to a healthy diet, as well as for people who are allergic to red vegetables. One of the most popular varieties of yellow pepper is the Gladiator variety.
Characteristics of the variety
Gladiator pepper is the result of the work of Dutch breeders. In terms of ripening time, it belongs to the mid-season varieties. Gladiator peppers reach their technical maturity in the period from 110 to 120 days from the moment of germination. Its plants are vigorous and spreading. Their average height will not exceed 55 cm. The Gladiator is perfect for both a greenhouse and open beds and film shelters.
Peppers of the Gladiator variety have a truncated pyramidal shape. On its surface, in addition to a slight glossy shine, you can see faint ribbing. The color of the fruit changes depending on the degree of ripeness. Light green unripe peppers gradually turn yellow, acquiring a bright yellow color. Large Gladiator fruits can weigh up to 350 grams and have a wall thickness of up to 13 mm. Their thick, dense flesh is incredibly tender and sweet with a slight peppery aroma.Its use is universal: from fresh consumption to preservation.
This variety of sweet pepper not only has excellent taste characteristics, but also marketability. Its plants and fruits have good resistance to many diseases of this crop, especially verticellosis. Among other things, Gladiator is a very productive variety, allowing you to harvest from 9 to 12 kg per square meter.
Recommendations for cultivation
Seeds can simply be planted in prepared containers, but such planting will not ensure high germination rates. Experienced gardeners recommend preparing seeds in advance:
- All seeds are immersed in a container of water. Seeds that float to the surface are empty and unsuitable for planting.
- Soak the seeds in water for no more than 2 days. To increase the speed of their germination, you can add any growth stimulant to the water.
- Treating seeds with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After this, they should be rinsed with warm water.
Such preparation of seeds will not only speed up the appearance of the first shoots, but also strengthen their immunity.
When planting, the seeds of the Gladiator variety are buried no more than 1.5 cm. Before the first shoots appear, they are covered with polyethylene or glass.For successful germination, they should be provided with a temperature of 23 to 28 degrees.
Young seedlings are planted permanently at the age of 60 days. Gladiator is a fairly heat-loving variety, so the place for planting it should be sunny and protected from the wind. Before planting this variety, it is recommended to add any organic fertilizer to the ground in the fall. If crop rotation is organized on the site, then it is better to plant pepper after the following crops:
- legumes;
- cucumbers;
- root vegetables and others.
Planting sweet peppers after green manure shows good results. In addition, they can be used to mulch the soil.
Regardless of whether Gladiator is planted in open or closed ground, there should be 35–40 cm of free space between neighboring plants.
The Gladiator variety of sweet pepper is undemanding in terms of care, but for abundant fruiting it needs to be provided with:
- Lots of light and warmth. If the peppers are planted in open ground, then at first they can be covered with film at night. When planting in a greenhouse, you need to remember about regular ventilation. This is especially important during the formation of buds and fruits.
- Regular watering. As a rule, in our climate, the frequency of watering this crop will be at least 2 times a week. In this case, overhead watering can be done only until flowering. After the formation of buds, watering is carried out only at the root. For each Gladiator plant, the water norm is from 1 to 3 liters. It should only be warm. Watering with cold water will have a negative effect on the root system of plants.
- Regular loosening and weeding. Mulching the soil can replace these procedures.For Gladiator sweet peppers in the form of mulch, straw or green manure is perfect.
- Fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers. They should be carried out 2 weeks after planting, during the period when buds begin to form, and then during the period of active fruit growth. Excellent results are obtained by using bird droppings, slurry, and superphosphate.
With proper care, the Gladiator sweet pepper variety can bear fruit abundantly from mid-July to October.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ten most common mistakes when growing sweet peppers:
