Prized for its rich, aromatic flavor reminiscent of bell pepper, this pepper stands out for its versatility in the kitchen and almost nonexistent heat.

Stavro peppers grow on bushy plants about 80 cm tall that can produce many elongated, fleshy peppers. As they ripen, the peppers turn from green to a beautiful bright red. They measure about 8 cm long and 3 cm wide, with flavorful flesh that's perfect for many culinary preparations.

With a heat rating of 0 to 500 Scoville heat units, the Stavro pepper is especially well suited to people who enjoy the flavor of peppers without seeking a burning sensation. Easy to grow in a vegetable garden, greenhouse, or sunny growing space, it's an excellent choice for discovering how to grow sweet peppers.

How can you use Stavro peppers in cooking?

With its mild flavor and aromas reminiscent of bell pepper, the Stavro pepper works well in many recipes. It can be harvested green for a more vegetal flavor or red when fully ripe for a more developed aromatic profile.

• Grilled peppers: grill them on a barbecue, griddle, or in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Greek-style stuffed peppers: fill them with sheep's milk cheese, feta, fresh herbs, and a little olive oil.
• Vinegar-pickled peppers: preserve your harvest to serve with grilled dishes, salads, and appetizers.
• Mediterranean cooking: add fresh peppers to sautéed vegetables, homemade sauces, omelets, and stews.
• Fresh: enjoy the green or red peppers finely sliced in salads for an aromatic touch without pronounced heat.

Stavro is an excellent variety for cooking summer vegetables and preparing Mediterranean recipes with authentic flavors.

How do you grow Stavro peppers?

Growing Stavro peppers is accessible to beginners and experienced vegetable gardeners alike. To produce vigorous plants and a generous harvest, it's important to meet this variety's needs for warmth, light, and water.

Sowing seeds: sow between February and April in a fine, slightly moist seed-starting mix. The ideal germination temperature is between 20 and 28 °C. Seedlings generally emerge in 7 to 21 days, depending on growing conditions. Using a mini greenhouse and heat mat helps maintain a consistent temperature and encourage even germination.

Transplanting and growth: when the seedlings have several true leaves, gently transplant them into individual pots. Place them somewhere bright and keep the growing medium slightly moist, without overwatering.

Planting outdoors: gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions before moving them permanently to the vegetable garden or a pot. Wait until all risk of frost has passed, generally 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost in your area. Choose a warm, sunny spot sheltered from the wind that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

Soil and watering: choose fertile, moist, well-drained soil enriched with mature organic matter. Water regularly according to the weather and the plants' growth, but be sure to avoid standing water around the roots.

Harvest: the peppers can be picked green or left to ripen fully and turn red. Allow about 75 days for maturation, depending on growing conditions and the starting point used to count the days.

For help with sowing, planting, and harvesting, see our pepper-growing guide and growing journal.

Why choose Stavro pepper seeds?

• Traditional Greek variety: a sweet pepper with Mediterranean flavors.
• Very mild heat: ideal for anyone who wants to discover peppers without a strong burning sensation.
• Flavorful red peppers: elongated peppers about 8 cm long that can also be eaten green.
• Versatile in the kitchen: perfect grilled, stuffed, pickled, or eaten fresh.
• Productive plants: bushy plants about 80 cm tall, suited to vegetable gardens and large containers under good conditions.
• Approachable to grow: an appealing variety for beginner gardeners and fans of Mediterranean vegetables.

Stavro pepper seed characteristics

• Variety: Stavro (also listed as Stavros)
• Origin: Greece
• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Packet contents: 20 seeds
• Type: sweet pepper
• Heat level: 0 to 1 on our scale
• Estimated heat rating: 0 to 500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
• Plant height: about 80 cm
• Growth habit: bushy
• Pepper dimensions: about 3 × 8 cm
• Shape: elongated and wide
• Color when ripe: red, after a green stage
• Flowers: white, generally from May to August
• Sowing period: February to April
• Optimal germination temperature: 20 to 28 °C
• Germination time: about 7 to 21 days
• Estimated time to maturity: about 75 days
• Sun exposure: at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
• Soil: fertile, moist, and well-drained

Order your 20 Stavro pepper seeds and grow a mild, aromatic Greek variety at home, ideal for bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean to your vegetable garden and kitchen.