Jimmy Nardello Pepper Plants

Jimmy Nardello peppers are a beloved heirloom sweet pepper known for their exceptional flavor, long slender fruit, and rich Italian history. Brought to the United States from Italy in 1887 by the Nardello family, this variety has earned its place in the Ark of Taste, preserving it as a culturally and agriculturally important pepper.

Grown hydroponically in a controlled environment, our Jimmy Nardello pepper plants arrive healthy, pest-free, and ready to establish once transplanted.

What You’ll Receive

• One Jimmy Nardello pepper plant hydroponically grown in rockwool (no soil)

• Plant height at shipping: Approx. 4–6” tall

• Actively growing with a strong, well-developed root system

• Care instructions included

• Bonus: 4-pack orders include a FREE 2 oz compost tea fertilizer packet to help give your plants a strong, healthy start after transplanting

Because our plants are grown hydroponically, they will require an adjustment period and it will take a few weeks for them to acclimate when transplanted into soil or containers. To learn more about our methods and to ensure success, review the sections below Our Live Plant Growing & Shipping Process and When Your Live Pepper Plants Arrive.

About the Jimmy Nardello Pepper

The Jimmy Nardello is a Capsicum annuum heirloom variety prized for its sweet flavor, thin walls, and long, tapered fruit. Plants grow low and wide, typically reaching around 2 feet tall and 2 feet across, and often benefit from staking due to heavy fruit production.

Peppers can grow up to 10 inches long and ripen from green to vibrant red. Their sweetness intensifies when cooked, making them a favorite for frying and roasting.

• Heat Level: Sweet / no heat (0 SHUs)

• Flavor: Exceptionally sweet and rich

• Pepper Appearance: Long, thin red peppers

• Culinary Use: Frying, roasting, sautéing, fresh use, and traditional Italian dishes

Growing & Care Information

• Grower Experience Level: Beginner

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading plant

• Mature Plant Size: Approximately 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide

• Pepper Pod Size: Typically up to 10 inches long

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 75–85 days from transplant

• Ways to Grow: In-ground garden beds, raised garden beds, and containers with support

If you’d rather start from seed, we also offer Jimmy Nardello pepper seeds and seed starting supplies, a great option for growers who enjoy raising plants from the very beginning or planning ahead for future seasons.

Our Live Plant Growing & Shipping Process

At Pepper Joe's, our live pepper plants are grown with care from the very beginning to ensure customers receive strong, healthy plants ready to thrive.

All of our pepper plants are greenhouse grown hydroponically in rockwool, allowing for consistent nutrition, controlled growing conditions, and strong root development. Many varieties are started as early as December, giving plants ample time to mature before shipping season begins in April.

Each plant is grown to approximately 4 inches before being prepared for shipment. Prior to shipping, every plant is individually inspected by a member of our greenhouse team to ensure it meets our quality standards.

Plants are shipped in a protective mini greenhouse made from recycled material, specially sourced to help safeguard live plants during transit. This packaging helps maintain plant structure and reduce stress while traveling to your door.

Want to learn more? Check out our FAQ page or, our blog on how we ship live pepper plants.

When Your Live Pepper Plants Arrive

Your live pepper plants are shipped in custom packaging to protect them during transit. Some mild wilting after shipping is normal and usually resolves quickly.

Upon arrival:

• Gently unbox your plant and inspect it.
  
• The roots are surrounded by rockwool—a lightweight, soil-free growing material that helps retain moisture and protect the roots. Do not remove the rockwool.
  
• If leaves appear wilted, water your plant immediately and allow up to 24 hours for recovery.
  

Transplanting:

• Plant the rockwool end 2–3 inches deep into well-draining potting soil using a container at least 1 gallon in size.
  
• Water thoroughly after planting and allow excess moisture to drain.
  

Before moving outdoors:

• Soil temperatures should be 65°F or warmer
  
• Nighttime temperatures should remain above 55°F
  
• No risk of frost
  

Once conditions are right, harden off your new plants gradually by introducing them to outdoor conditions over several days before full sun exposure.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions, visit our Pepper Plant Care page.

If you have any concerns, please reach out through our contact form and our team will be happy to help.