The 'Happy Gnome' pepper variety is a mid-early and early-maturing vegetable, suitable for cultivation both in open ground and under plastic coverings. The plant is compact and low-growing, reaching a height of 40 to 65 centimeters, with a semi-spreading or bushy growth habit. The variety is characterized by its adaptability to growing conditions, resistance to major solanaceous diseases, including verticillium wilt, making it a reliable choice for regions with short and cold summers. Due to its early maturity, the period from germination to fruiting is about 100 days, allowing it to avoid Phytophthora infection.
The fruits of the 'Happy Gnome' pepper have an unusual elongated cylindrical shape with a pointed tip and ribbing at the base. They are smooth, firm, with thick walls of 3-4 mm, and weigh between 10 to 140 grams, depending on the individual fruit. At maturity, the fruits turn a deep red color, possessing a sweet tomato-like flavor, moderate juiciness, and a meaty, dense flesh with minimal juice and seeds. This structure makes them versatile for use: they are excellent for fresh consumption, salads, purées, soups, stuffing, as well as for whole-fruit canning, pickling, and marinating. Due to their low juice content, these peppers can be dried or sun-dried while retaining their aroma and flavor.
The 'Happy Gnome' variety is highly productive — each plant yields 1.5 to 3 kilograms of fruit, with a yield per square meter reaching 3-3.2 kg. The plant forms 17-20 fruits simultaneously, ensuring a stable and abundant harvest. Additionally, the pepper withstands transportation well and has a long storage life, making it convenient for commercial cultivation and home use. Due to its qualities and adaptability, this variety is suitable for cultivation both in greenhouses and open fields, as well as on balconies, loggias, and windowsills.
