Organic ‘Marcato’ Pepper

Organic ‘Marcato’ pepper (Capsicum annuum) from the seed company Gaia, a sweet pepper in dehybridization with an intensely sweet flavor

The ‘Marcato’ pepper produces elongated, horn-shaped fruits with 23 lobes , a mild aroma, and an exceptionally sweet flavor. An heirloom variety currently undergoing dehybridization, it may exhibit some variability in fruit shape and size, offering a rustic charm typical of stable lines. The peppers ripen from green to deep red , developing thick, juicy, and fragrant flesh, perfect for grilling, roasting, or raw dishes. The upright plants have excellent foliage cover , protecting the fruits from the sun and supporting consistent production. Tolerant to PVY0,1, this variety is an attractive choice for gardens seeking both resilience and flavor.

Its remarkable sweetness, generous texture and natural adaptation to summer heat make it an ideal variety for both family vegetable gardens and gardeners who appreciate sweet-fleshed peppers.

Companion plants : Alliums, Basil, Tomato, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Marigold
Nefarious plants : Broad beans, Brassicaceae, Fennel

Spread/Habit : Upright and leafy plant
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very sweet fruit, horn-shaped with 23 lobes, dehybridized, good foliage cover, PVY0.1 tolerance

Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Soft, very sweet and juicy flesh
Cold tolerance : Not hardy

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting time, about 1 cm deep in warm, well-drained potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 2532C for successful germination, with an optimum between 2731C , usually reached in 7 to 21 days. Harden off seedlings to 1819C before transplanting. Place in full sun (level 3) and water moderately (level 2). Space plants 3045 cm apart, with 4560 cm between rows. Upright plants will benefit from light support depending on the fruit load.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest the first fruits as soon as they reach a suitable size to encourage a more abundant production . Peppers can be harvested green or red depending on their intended culinary use. Store them at 10-12C with 95% humidity to maintain their freshness and firmness.

Usage ideas

Grilled to reveal their remarkable sweetness
Whole roasts or strips for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
Stuffed, thanks to their elongated shape with 23 lobes
Raw in salads for a vibrant sweet flavor
In sauces or stews to enhance the aroma

The ‘Marcato’ pepper is distinguished by its exceptional sweetness, generous yield, and still-evolving character. An endearing variety with authentic charm, it offers the vegetable garden a rare combination of sweet flavor, hardiness, and stabilization potential.