Druzhok

Stability and Taste: What Makes 'Druzhok' Stand Out

In the landscape of sweet pepper breeding, the 'Druzhok' variety, developed by the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of NAAS, occupies the niche of a reliable, 'workhorse' variety for open-field cultivation. Its primary advantage over modern imported hybrids is its predictability in Ukraine’s moderate climate. While many imported varieties demand intensive nutrition and perfect irrigation, this variety demonstrates enviable resistance to field stresses.

Agronomic Profile

• Maturation: Technical maturity is reached in 100–110 days, making it ideal for cultivation without complex greenhouse covers.
• Fruit Parameters: A conical shape and a weight of 60–80 grams make it perfect for whole-fruit preservation and stuffing.
• Quality: The 5–6 mm wall thickness ensures sufficient juiciness, while the bright red color at biological maturity makes it highly attractive for local markets.

Who Is This Variety For?

'Druzhok' is a find for gardeners and small-scale farmers who are unwilling to risk expensive hybrid seeds in fields lacking drip irrigation. Its strength lies in its plasticity: it forgives minor technical errors that would instantly ruin more 'fussy' varieties. Its weakness is a lower fruit mass compared to large-fruited blocky peppers, which limits its use in the premium fresh produce segment where 200g+ fruits are favored. However, it excels in crop stability and flavor, which are highly valued by home cooks and those focused on traditional processing.