Ricardo

Stable Yield: Experience with Ricardo Pepper

When planning your crops, predictability is key for any farmer. The Ricardo pepper by Nunhems is a classic example of getting exactly what you expect from the field. A maturation cycle of 80 to 100 days allows for a flexible harvesting schedule, minimizing the risk of crop loss due to over-ripening.

Field Performance and Protection

The primary concern in pepper cultivation is viral disease, which can wipe out weeks of hard work in a matter of days. Ricardo stands out due to its genetic "shield": it is highly resistant to a complex of viral mosaics and other common pathogens, which significantly cuts down on fungicide costs. The documented resistance to potato cancer and golden potato nematode allows for planting in fields with previous crop rotation challenges, ensuring the soil doesn't become a source of infection.

Marketability and Logistics

Fruit weight ranges from 100 to 160 grams. This is the "gold standard" for the fresh market: it fits standard crates perfectly, does not crush during transport, and maintains an appealing shelf appearance. The density of the pepper wall is a critical feature for those supplying wholesale markets or supermarkets, ensuring the product reaches the end consumer without storage damage.

• Optimal cycle: 80–100 days from planting to harvest.
• Consistent fruit weight: 100 to 160 grams.
• Dutch breeding by Nunhems: high germination rates and predictable plant vigor.

Through practical use, we’ve found that this hybrid is forgiving of minor agronomic errors and maintains excellent stress tolerance against mid-season temperature swings. It is a reliable tool in any vegetable grower's inventory, helping maintain quality standards and consistently supply the market.