Pepper plants encounter a lot of challenges during the growing season that gardeners tend to, but one of the most fearful challenges involves disease and the plant's resistance to it. Common diseases for pepper plants include bacterial leaf spot, wilting, phytophthora, "damping off," blossom end rot, and the irreversible tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Most of these problems are a result of high levels of moisture or excess water, but others can be a result of a mixture of external factors.
However, there are a few disease-resistant pepper varieties available that developed innate traits to fend off certain sicknesses. To help you enjoy an easy growing season and bountiful harvest, we compiled a list of 10 disease resistant pepper varieties for you to explore. These peppers can withstand common garden diseases, ensuring your garden stays vibrant and productive.
10 Disease Resistant Peppers
1. Chocolate Bell
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0 SHUs
Origin: USA
Disease Resistance: Bacterial Leaf Spot; TMV
Our first entry belongs to the Chocolate Bell pepper, a beautiful sweet variety that develops its deep brown hue once it reaches maturity. Many hybrid bell pepper varieties boast impressive resistance to certain diseases - in this case, bacterial leaf spot and tobacco mosaic virus.
- Check out other Chocolate Pepper varieties today!
With Chocolate Bells, you get the wonderful benefits of easy growing, disease resistance, and impressive sugar-sweet flavors that make you want more.
2. Jedi Jalapeno
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 2,500-3,500 SHUs
Origin: Unknown
Disease Resistance: Bacterial Leaf Spot; Phytophthora
Next, we have the Jedi F1 Jalapeno pepper. A fiery favorite amongst pepper lovers, this variety withstands the likes of phytophthora root rot, a soil-borne fungal disease that causes a slew of damages to the plant, foliage, and fruits.
These sturdy plants boast a range of massive jalapeno peppers that change color to a nice dark green when ready for harvesting. As one of the largest jalapeno varieties out there, this disease-resistant pepper makes for one amazing addition to your garden.
- Browse through delicious Jalapeno Snacks & Spices today!
3. Lunchbox Mix Pepper
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0 SHUs
Origin: USA
Disease Resistance: TMV; Bacterial Leaf Spot; Phytophthora; PVY
Lunchbox Mix Bell Peppers are the perfect little peppers to bring as appetizers or snacks to any cookout, tailgate, or potluck. The rich and productive peppers come in equal amounts of red, orange, and yellow, and they contain a crisp texture with sweet and fruity flavors perfect for any fresh salads or sides.
Lunchbox Mix peppers are disease resistant to a plethora of viruses, including TMV, bacterial leaf spot, and potato virus Y - a disastrous disease transmitted by aphids that deteriorates the plant and diminishes yield production.
4. Big Bertha
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0 SHUs
Origin: Unknown
Disease Resistance: Bacterial Leaf Spot; Phytophthora
Another bell pepper variety on this list, the Big Bertha pepper boasts wonderful resistance to bacterial leaf spot and phytophthora apart from its legendary size and growth! These green monsters stretch anywhere from 7-12" long, producing sweet-tasting, blocky fruits that need supporting once they start to grow.
- Shop Sweet Pepper Seeds today!
You won't be able to resist the mouth-watering flavors that come with these behemoths. Great for slicing and using in fresh foods and sandwiches, this disease resistant pepper is a no-brainer to add to your garden.
5. Hot Sunset
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 600+ SHUs
Origin: USA
Disease Resistance: Bacterial Leaf Spot; TMV
Enjoy the abundant yields of slender Hot Sunset peppers! Known to be a hybrid between the Hungarian Hot Wax and Banana Pepper, this unique strain boasts wonderful resistance to disease such as bacterial leaf spot and TMV.
You'll want to add this vibrant strain to your growing list, as Hot Sunset peppers contain wonderful flavors with mild heat perfect for any sort of pepper-infused meal or dish.
- Browse through our Mild Pepper Seed selections today!
6. Apple Hungarian
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0-1,000 SHUs
Origin: Hungary
Disease Resistance: Bacterial Leaf Spot; Phytophthora
Apple Hungarian peppers have the unique ability to boast a delectably-sweet flavor that's not bell-pepper-related. Developing to a whopping 3-4" long, these pods look like sweet little pumpkins with a sweet-to-mild heat. Used for stuffing, grilling, baking, and more, you can't get enough of these peppers.
Growing them is almost just as easy. With great disease resistance to viruses like phytophthora root rot, you can expect to see high yields of these pods.
7. Chardonnay
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0 SHUs
Origin: Unknown
Disease Resistance: TMV; Phytophthora; Bacterial Leaf Spot
Want a pepper with delicious wine flavors? Then Chardonnay peppers are the choice for you! Growing bounties of these dark golden fruits, Chardonnay peppers mature earlier than most varieties, resisting common diseases like TMV and phytophthora. This means you can expect a big, beautiful, healthy plant to grow in your garden!
- Explore other Bell Pepper Seeds to grow next season!
Try using Chardonnay peppers in salads, roasts, or other fresh foods. You'll want to pick these peppers straight off the plant and devour their savory sweet flavors.
8. Pimiento Elite F1
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 100-500 SHUs
Origin: Italy & Greece
Disease Resistance: TMV; Bacterial Leaf Spot
There's a reason why this one's named "elite" - it truly is compared to its predecessor! This hybrid version of the Pimiento pepper gained many benefits through its process, including higher yields and earlier maturity. In addition, Pimiento Elite peppers boast a wonderful resistance to diseases like TMV and bacterial leaf spot, making this a sought-after pick for growing, harvesting, and using in various culinary dishes.
9. Healthy Sweet
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0 SHUs
Origin: Russia
Disease Resistance: Bacterial Leaf Spot; Phytopthora
Healthy Sweet peppers were created not only for their resistance to common diseases like like blight (Phytopthora). These peppers, originating from the Institute of Vegetable Breeding and Seed Production in Moscow, hold up well in most climates, reaching a measly 2-1/2 ft. tall on average. However, because these plant hang low to the ground, growers need to provide proper drainage in order to prevent damping off disease from occurring.
Healthy Sweet peppers are a go-to snacking variety with an incredibly sweet flavor perfect for eating fresh or making into a wonderful sauce or salsa.
10. Jimmy Nardello
Species: Capsicum Annuum
Heat Level: 0 SHUs
Origin: Italy
Disease Resistance: Non-specific
Our last entry may surprise you, but it's the Jimmy Nardello! While not specifically categorized as "disease resistant," this Italian heirloom grows pretty well and thwarts off many common viruses that affect its growth. Impressive in taste and sweetness, this iconic variety is also known to be one of the easiest peppers to grow overall.
The average height of Jimmy Nardello pepper plants hovers around 2-3 ft. tall, but boy do they grow peppers! You'll want to make sure you stake this plant once its pods begin stretching out.
Hybrid Pepper Varieties from Pepper Joe's
Besides resistance to certain diseases, there are many more benefits to growing stabilized hybrid pepper varieties. Crossing certain strains of peppers brings about some amazing growing benefits, including increased yields, earlier maturity, improved flavors, and more. Make sure to check out our selection today and browse through other pepper seeds that we offer!
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