Pimiento
Capsicum annuum
Also known asPimento · Cherry pepper (when round) · Sweet red pepper · Spanish pimiento
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–12 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A compact, productive sweet pepper for hydroponic systems. EC 2.0-2.8 mS/cm. pH 5.8-6.5. Temperature: 20–28°C. Moderate to high light (DLI 16-22 mol/m2/day). Plants are compact (30–50 cm) and produce well in DWC, NFT, or drip systems. From transplant to red-ripe harvest: 75-90 days. Each plant produces 15-25 peppers. Harvest when fully red and sweet. The thick walls roast and peel beautifully. For pimiento cheese (the Southern classic): dice roasted and peeled pimientos, mix with sharp cheddar (shredded), mayonnaise, a pinch of cayenne, and salt. The homemade version using fresh-roasted pimientos is noticeably better than versions made with jarred peppers. For stuffing olives: dice pimiento into small strips and push into pitted green olives. Calcium supplementation prevents blossom end rot. The compact plant size and prolific production make pimiento a practical hydroponic pepper for growers who eat Southern food or enjoy Mediterranean appetizers.