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Helios — Peppers | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Helios
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

67days to harvest

7-14 daysdays to germinate

Z10–11USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

F1 hybrid

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms to 60°F+

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Regular, consistent moisture; avoid waterlogging
Soil: Well-drained loam, slightly acidic to neutral
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 12-30 inches
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Orange-red
Size: 2 3/4"
Shape: Tapered, lantern-like
Flavour: Very hot habanero with fruity, citrusy undertones and intense spiciness.

In the kitchen

Hot sauce, spicy condiments, heat-focused dishes, fermentation, drying

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, thrips, flea beetles
Diseases: Phytophthora blight, bacterial spot, tobacco mosaic virus
Resistance: Pepper Mottle Virus (Intermediate); Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (Intermediate)

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	May	July – August	—	September – August
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	August – October
4	March – April	June	—	August – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	July – September
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	June – August
9	January	March – April	—	May – July
10	January	February – March	—	May – July
11	January	January – February	—	April – June
12	January	January – February	—	April – June
13	January	January – February	—	April – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving pepper flavor

MarigoldDeters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

TomatoSimilar growing requirements and can share space efficiently as nightshade family members

OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps

CarrotsLoose soil from carrot growth improves drainage around pepper roots

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

ChivesRepels aphids and may improve pepper growth and flavor

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that inhibits nightshade family growth

FennelAllelopathic compounds inhibit growth of most vegetables including peppers

BrassicasCompete for similar nutrients and may stunt pepper growth through root competition

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 27
Protein (g): 1.66
Fat (g): 0.45
Carbohydrate (g): 5.35
Fibre (g): 3.4
Sugars (g): 1.95
Vitamin A (µg): 17
Vitamin C (mg): 82.7
Vitamin E (mg): 0.69
Vitamin K (µg): 9.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.357
Folate (µg): 29
Calcium (mg): 14
Iron (mg): 0.46
Magnesium (mg): 17
Phosphorus (mg): 32
Potassium (mg): 256
Zinc (mg): 0.25
Selenium (µg): 0.3

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the peppers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Helios

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Helios?

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