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Mad Hatter — Peppers | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Mad Hatter
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

85days to harvest

14-21 daysdays to germinate

Z4–11USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

F1 hybrid

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost, ¼ inch deep; transplant outdoors after last frost when soil reaches 60-70°F

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: Regular, consistent moisture—1-1.5 inches per week at soil level; inconsistent watering causes fruit cracking and blossom end rot
Soil: Well-draining loam enriched with compost or aged manure, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 8 in.
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Red at full maturity (green when harvested early)
Size: 2 1/4"
Shape: Crown-shaped or bishop's hat form
Flavour: Moderately sweet with distinctive floral and citrus notes; subtle heat concentrated near the seed cavity

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, roasting, salads, gourmet garnishes, dried as paprika-like seasoning

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Spider mites, aphids, flea beetles, thrips
Diseases: Blossom end rot (calcium deficiency from inconsistent watering), phytophthora blight, pepper weevil

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	September – October
4	March – April	June	—	September – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	August – October
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	July – September
9	January	March – April	—	June – August
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, 4 to avoid.

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

MarigoldsDeters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with natural compounds

TomatoesShare similar growing conditions and can help deter each other's pests

OreganoRepels aphids and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete for space and help break up soil for pepper roots

OnionsDeter aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects with sulfur compounds

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on pepper pests

NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting predatory insects

Avoid

Black Walnut TreesRelease juglone toxin that stunts pepper growth and can kill plants

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit pepper growth and development

BrassicasCompete heavily for nutrients and can stunt pepper growth in close proximity

Apricot TreesCan harbor diseases like verticillium wilt that easily transfer to peppers

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

← PreviousItaliko Red Next →Curlesi

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.

Mad Hatter

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 Mad Hatter?

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