Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
A powerhouse of flavor and reliability, Keystone Resistant Giant Sweet Pepper stands tall among bell varieties for its large, blocky fruits, crisp texture, and excellent disease resistance. Each pepper grows 4–5 inches across with thick, juicy walls that maintain their crunch from green maturity through to deep red ripeness.
This improved strain of the classic Keystone Giant was selected for resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), ensuring strong plants and consistent harvests even under challenging garden conditions. Compact yet productive, plants reach about 24–30 inches in height and deliver heavy yields across a long season.
In the kitchen, Keystone Resistant Giant shines for its sweet, classic bell flavor—ideal for stuffing, roasting, salads, or sautéing. Fruits ripen evenly, hold shape beautifully, and offer a mild sweetness that intensifies as the peppers mature to red.
An American-bred, open-pollinated variety, Keystone Resistant Giant combines heirloom flavor with dependable modern performance. From backyard gardens to market rows, it’s a grower’s standby that rewards with abundant, uniform, and flavorful harvests season after season.
Timing:
Start seeds 8–10 weeks before the last frost in your region. Peppers need warmth and time to develop before transplanting outdoors.
Depth:
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix. Cover lightly and mist gently to avoid displacing seeds.
Temperature:
Maintain a steady soil temperature of 75–90°F (24–32°C) for best germination. Bottom heat or a seedling heat mat helps keep consistent warmth.
Germination Time:
Seeds typically germinate in 7–14 days under optimal conditions. Cooler soil will slow or reduce germination.
Light:
Once sprouted, provide 14–16 hours of bright light daily using grow lights or a sunny window. Keep lights close to seedlings but not touching the foliage.
Air Temperature:
Maintain ambient air temperature between 70–80°F (21–27°C) to promote strong, healthy growth.
Potting Up:
When seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger pots (2–3" cells or small containers) to encourage root growth and reduce stress.
Feeding:
Use a ¼-strength balanced fertilizer once a week after seedlings establish. Avoid overfertilizing—too much nitrogen can lead to lanky growth.
Soil Temperature & Transplant Timing
Do not transplant by calendar alone—check your soil temperature.
At a depth of 2–4 inches, soil should register at least 60–65°F (16–18°C) for several consecutive mornings before transplanting.
Ideal root-zone temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C).
Night air temperatures should remain at or above 55°F (13°C).
Cool soils or chilly nights can stunt peppers or cause transplant shock.
How to check: Insert a soil thermometer 2–4 inches deep in the morning for several days, then average the readings.
Transplanting Outdoors
Hardening Off:
Begin hardening off plants 5–7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with shade and light wind, then increase exposure each day.
Location:
Choose a sunny, sheltered site with rich, loamy soil and a pH of 6.0–6.8. Avoid low, soggy areas where water collects.
Spacing:
Plant 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart to ensure airflow and light penetration.
Support:
Stake or cage plants early if you expect heavy fruiting. Keystone Resistant Giant produces large, thick-walled fruits that can weigh down branches.
Aftercare:
Water deeply after transplanting and apply mulch to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature. Monitor young plants for stress or pests during the first week outdoors.
How to Grow — Keystone Resistant Giant Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Watering:
Provide 1–1½ inches of water per week, especially during dry or hot spells.
Water deeply but infrequently to promote a strong root system.
Best method: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver moisture directly to the soil, keeping foliage dry and reducing disease risk.
If overhead watering is necessary, do so early in the day so leaves dry before nightfall.
Note: Uneven watering can cause blossom end rot or cracked fruit, while consistent moisture produces thick, well-formed pods.
Fertilizing:
Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during early growth.
Once plants begin to flower and fruit, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer to support fruit development and enhance sweetness.
Avoid excessive nitrogen—this leads to leafy growth and fewer peppers.
Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting to build soil fertility and structure.
Weeding & Mulching:
Keep beds free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Use black plastic mulch early in the season to warm the soil, followed by organic mulch (straw, leaves, compost) once temperatures rise to:
Retain soil moisture
Suppress weeds
Maintain even soil temperatures
When hand-weeding, be cautious—pepper roots are shallow and easily damaged. Root disturbance can stress plants and trigger calcium-related issues like blossom end rot.
Sun & Heat Management:
Grow in full sun (6–8 hours daily) for maximum yield and flavor.
Peppers thrive in daytime temperatures between 75–90°F and night temperatures above 60°F.
During heat waves (95°F+), provide light afternoon shade using shade cloth or nearby companion plants to prevent flower drop.
Spacing & Support:
Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart for good airflow and strong growth.
While Keystone Resistant Giant has sturdy stems, light staking or a small cage helps support heavy fruit loads and keeps pods off the ground.
Companion Planting:
Good companions: Basil, onions, carrots, cucumbers, marigolds, and oregano.
Avoid: Fennel and kohlrabi, which can stunt pepper growth.
Tip: Interplanting with marigolds or dill deters aphids and flea beetles naturally while attracting beneficial insects.
Container Growing:
Use 7–10+ gallon containers with a rich, well-drained potting mix.
Ensure good drainage—container peppers dislike “wet feet.”
Water more frequently during hot weather, checking soil moisture daily.
In midsummer, shade pot sides to keep root zones cool and maintain steady growth.
When to harvest: Pick peppers once they are fully formed and firm—typically 70–79 days from transplant. For sweeter flavor, allow fruits to ripen completely from green to bright red on the plant.
How to harvest: Use clean pruners or scissors to cut peppers, leaving a short section of stem attached. Avoid pulling fruit by hand to prevent branch damage.
Ripening advice: If frost approaches, green fruits can be harvested and ripened indoors at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
Storage: Store harvested peppers in a cool, humid place (45–55°F) for up to two weeks. For long-term use, freeze or dehydrate slices for later cooking.
Flavor & Kitchen Use
Flavor profile: Mild, classic bell sweetness with crisp, thick walls. Peppers picked green are refreshing and mild; those allowed to ripen red gain extra sweetness and depth.
Culinary versatility: Excellent for stuffing, roasting, grilling, sautéing, and salads. Their thick, juicy texture holds up well to heat and makes them perfect for fajitas, kabobs, or stir-fries.
Preserving: Blanch and freeze slices or dice for year-round use. Fully red fruits maintain color and sweetness even after freezing.
Pairings: Combine with onions, basil, garlic, or olive oil for classic Mediterranean-style dishes.
Cleaning: Rinse harvested peppers under cool running water and pat dry before use or storage.
Seed saving: For true-to-type seed, allow fruits to fully mature red before collecting. Dry seeds 7–10 days before storing in airtight jars with a desiccant pack.
Storage & Preservation
Short-term: Store unwashed in a paper-lined container or mesh bag in the refrigerator.
Drying: Slice thin and dehydrate at 115–120°F for crisp, shelf-stable pepper flakes.
Freezing: Wash, core, and slice before freezing flat on a tray, then transfer to airtight bags.
Pickling: Use green or red peppers for crisp, colorful pickled slices that retain sweetness and crunch.
Growing & Pruning Tips
Pruning: Remove the lowest leaves and any that touch the soil to improve airflow and reduce disease.
Feeding schedule: Side-dress with compost or fertilizer once plants begin fruiting to sustain production.
Pollination: Peppers are self-pollinating, but light airflow or pollinator activity increases yield uniformity.
Mulching: Keep 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to regulate soil moisture and prevent weeds.
Containers & Watering
Container size: Minimum 7–10 gallons for healthy growth and steady yields.
Moisture management: Check soil daily during hot spells—container peppers dry faster than in-ground ones.
Drainage: Always ensure pots have drainage holes; stagnant water leads to root issues.
Seed Saving
Selection: Save seeds from the best-performing plants with uniform blocky shape and thick walls.
Isolation: Separate at least 150 feet from other Capsicum annuum types to reduce cross-pollination.
Cleaning & drying: Rinse seeds thoroughly, spread in a single layer, and air dry for 7–10 days before storage.
Storage: Keep sealed in a cool, dark place; viable for up to 4 years under proper conditions.
Common Pests and Problems — Keystone Resistant Giant Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Even though the Keystone Resistant Giant variety is bred for resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), it still faces the typical challenges of the pepper family. Understanding and preventing these threats will ensure robust plants and abundant yields.
Insect Pests
Aphids:
Aphids gather on leaf undersides and tender new growth, feeding on sap and weakening the plant. This can lead to curled leaves, stunted growth, and sticky honeydew residue that attracts sooty mold. To control them, spray affected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce beneficial predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Interplanting with strong-scented herbs like basil, marigold, or dill can deter infestations naturally.
Flea Beetles:
Tiny jumping beetles that chew “shot holes” in leaves, particularly dangerous to seedlings. Use floating row covers until plants mature, and practice crop rotation yearly. Dusting soil with diatomaceous earth around young plants adds another layer of defense.
Pepper Maggots:
These larvae burrow into fruit, causing internal tunneling and decay. Discard infested fruit immediately to stop the life cycle. Avoid planting peppers near other susceptible crops like eggplants, and rotate planting locations each year.
Cutworms:
Cutworms often sever seedlings at soil level during cool early growth stages. Protect stems using cardboard collars or small plastic cups with bottoms removed, pushed slightly into the soil around the stem base.
Spider Mites:
In dry, hot conditions, spider mites can form colonies on leaf undersides, creating fine webbing and yellow stippling. Boost humidity, rinse foliage, and use neem oil or horticultural sprays as preventive measures.
Fungal and Bacterial Problems
Damping-Off:
A soil-borne fungal condition that causes seedlings to wilt suddenly at the soil line. Avoid overwatering, ensure proper ventilation, and use sterile potting mix for seed starting.
Blossom End Rot:
A calcium-uptake disorder, not a disease, that causes dark, sunken spots on fruit bottoms. It is linked to irregular watering or nutrient imbalance. Keep soil moisture consistent, mulch around the base, and test soil pH to ensure calcium availability (ideal pH: 6.0–6.8).
Bacterial Leaf Spot:
Spots appear as small, dark lesions that expand and merge, leading to leaf drop and reduced vigor. Prevent spread by avoiding overhead watering, sanitizing tools, and rotating crops annually.
Anthracnose:
A fungal issue that causes dark, sunken spots on fruit, particularly in warm, humid climates. Pick and dispose of affected fruits, avoid water splash on leaves, and apply organic copper-based fungicides if necessary.
Environmental Stress and Cultural Issues
Sunscald:
Occurs when fruits are suddenly exposed to direct sunlight, producing pale, blistered patches. Maintain healthy foliage cover and avoid excessive pruning to protect developing fruits.
Temperature Fluctuations:
Keystone Resistant Giant prefers consistent warmth between 70–85°F. Growth slows below 60°F and may halt above 90°F. Using mulch helps regulate root-zone temperatures and moisture.
Overwatering or Poor Drainage:
Peppers require moist but not soggy soil. Standing water suffocates roots and leads to root rot. Amend heavy soils with compost or sand to improve aeration.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Yellowing leaves can indicate nitrogen shortage, while pale foliage and slow fruiting can signal phosphorus or potassium deficiency. A balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks keeps growth steady.
Maintaining healthy, loamy soil with balanced fertility, consistent watering, and good airflow minimizes most pest and disease pressure. With these practices, the Keystone Resistant Giant’s natural resilience shines, rewarding growers with beautiful, thick-walled fruits and dependable yields all season long.
Q: What makes Keystone Resistant Giant different from other bell peppers?
A: The Keystone Resistant Giant is a high-yielding, open-pollinated bell pepper variety bred for its resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV). It produces exceptionally large, blocky fruits with thick walls and a mild, sweet flavor. The fruits can be harvested green or left to ripen red for maximum sweetness, making them versatile for both fresh eating and cooking.
Q: How big do the peppers get?
A: Fruits typically measure 4–5 inches across with thick, crisp walls and a uniform blocky shape, making them ideal for stuffing, grilling, or slicing. The sturdy skin and firm texture also hold up well to roasting and freezing.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Keystone Resistant Giant?
A: This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid overwatering. Daytime temperatures of 70–85°F and nighttime temperatures above 60°F promote steady growth and fruit set.
Q: When should I start seeds and how long until they germinate?
A: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. Keep soil temperatures between 75–90°F for best results. Seeds generally sprout within 7–14 days under these conditions.
Q: Do Keystone Resistant Giant peppers need staking or support?
A: While the plants are sturdy, providing light staking or a small cage can help support heavy fruit loads and prevent branches from bending or breaking, especially in windy or crowded garden spaces.
Q: What type of pest or disease resistance does this pepper have?
A: Keystone Resistant Giant is bred with resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), a common pathogen that can stunt or distort plants. Regular crop rotation, good air circulation, and careful watering practices further reduce risk of other common pepper diseases like bacterial spot or anthracnose.
Q: Can I harvest peppers green, or should I wait until they turn red?
A: You can harvest at either stage. Green peppers have a classic crisp, mild flavor, while allowing them to fully ripen to red enhances sweetness and vitamin C content. Harvesting green also encourages continuous fruit production.
Q: What might cause smaller fruit or reduced yields?
A: Insufficient sunlight, irregular watering, nutrient imbalances, or nighttime temperatures below 55°F can all reduce fruit set. Ensure even soil moisture, regular feeding with balanced fertilizer, and full-sun exposure for best performance.
Q: How long does it take for Keystone Resistant Giant to reach maturity?
A: From transplant, expect peppers to reach harvestable size in approximately 70–79 days. For red maturity, allow an additional week or two.
Q: What’s the best use for this pepper in the kitchen?
A: The thick walls and sweet flavor make Keystone Resistant Giant perfect for stuffing, roasting, grilling, or slicing fresh into salads. It also freezes exceptionally well, retaining color and texture.
The story of the Keystone Resistant Giant Pepper traces back to the long agricultural traditions of the Americas, where Indigenous peoples first domesticated Capsicum annuum thousands of years ago. From its early cultivation across Mesoamerica, peppers spread through trade and stewardship—woven into foodways that emphasized community, preservation, and flavor over uniformity.
When Spanish and Portuguese traders carried peppers abroad in the 15th and 16th centuries, Capsicum annuum became one of the world’s most influential crops, reshaping cuisines from the Caribbean to Europe. Over time, farmers and breeders in North America refined regional selections, favoring size, sweetness, and productivity.
The Keystone line was developed in the mid-20th century United States, named for the Keystone State (Pennsylvania). It quickly became a standard among American gardeners for its reliability, thick walls, and square, blocky fruits ideal for stuffing and market display. As disease pressures like Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) began affecting home and commercial crops, plant breeders worked to strengthen this classic strain without sacrificing its heirloom flavor—resulting in the Keystone Resistant Giant we grow today.
This variety preserves the character of the original Keystone Giant—large, mild, and prolific—while adding resilience and adaptability for modern gardens. It represents the fusion of traditional selection and careful improvement, honoring centuries of Indigenous domestication while reflecting contemporary efforts to sustain healthy, productive, and flavorful crops.
To grow Keystone Resistant Giant is to carry forward that living legacy—from ancient seed keepers of the Americas to the breeders who shaped one of North America’s most dependable sweet peppers.
Goal:
Preserve the Keystone Resistant Giant’s signature traits — its large, blocky, thick-walled red fruits and strong disease resistance (notably TMV). Consistent selection ensures uniformity, vigor, and dependable yields for future plantings.
Plant Selection:
Choose healthy, vigorous plants that display strong resistance to pests and disease throughout the season. Prioritize plants producing uniform, four-lobed fruits that ripen evenly to a rich, glossy red. Avoid saving from off-type fruits or plants showing stress, deformities, or premature ripening.
Isolation:
Isolate peppers by at least 300–500 feet from other Capsicum annuum varieties (bells, sweets, and hot peppers alike) to prevent unwanted cross-pollination. For small gardens, bag blossoms or use mesh pollination cages to maintain purity.
Harvesting:
Allow selected fruits to fully ripen on the plant until they reach their deepest red color — this ensures full seed maturity and maximum viability. Once harvested, cut open the fruit and gently remove seeds by hand, separating them from the core and pulp.
Drying:
Spread seeds on a screen or paper plate in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat. Stir occasionally during drying to prevent clumping. Seeds are fully dry when they snap cleanly rather than bend — usually after 7–10 days under ideal conditions.
Cleaning:
Once dry, separate remaining debris by gently blowing or winnowing. Avoid washing pepper seeds in water, as it can reduce germination.
Storage:
Store dried seeds in airtight glass jars or sealed paper envelopes, labeled with the variety name and year. Keep containers in a cool, dark, and dry environment — ideally below 50°F. For long-term preservation, refrigeration in airtight jars extends viability up to 4 years.
Viability Testing:
Before replanting, perform a germination test by sprouting 10 seeds on a damp paper towel in a warm spot (75–85°F). A germination rate above 80% indicates strong seed health and storage success.
Additional Tips:
Do not save seeds from fruits exposed to heavy crosswinds or near hot pepper beds.
If maintaining the resistant strain, always save from plants that remain disease-free even under high stress.
Label saved lots clearly with year, resistance note (TMV), and generation count, if tracked.
Culinary Uses:
Stuffed Peppers:
The Keystone Resistant Giant’s large, blocky fruits and thick, tender walls make it a top choice for traditional stuffed peppers. Fill with seasoned rice, meats, beans, or grains, then bake until soft and aromatic. The pepper’s mild sweetness pairs perfectly with savory fillings, allowing herbs and spices to shine.
Fresh Eating:
Crisp and juicy, these peppers are excellent for slicing into salads, wraps, or vegetable platters. Their mild, refreshing sweetness adds balance and crunch without overpowering other ingredients. When harvested green, they bring bright, grassy flavor; when fully ripened to red, they develop a rich, fruity depth.
Roasting & Grilling:
Keystone’s thick flesh and smooth skin hold up beautifully to high heat. Roast or char whole peppers over an open flame or grill until the skins blister and blacken, then peel to reveal a sweet, smoky interior. Ideal for sauces, spreads, sandwiches, or antipasto platters.
Sautéing & Stir-Frying:
Add sliced peppers to stir-fries, fajitas, and pasta dishes for vibrant color and natural sweetness. Their firm texture withstands heat without becoming mushy, adding both flavor and crunch.
Canning & Freezing:
The uniform size and thick walls make this variety a standout for preserving. Perfect for diced or sliced frozen peppers, pickled rings, or roasted and peeled for freezer storage — maintaining flavor and texture throughout winter use.
Nutritional & Wellness Benefits:
Keystone Resistant Giant peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, supporting immune health, collagen production, and overall wellness. Their high water content helps with hydration, while the natural sweetness satisfies without added sugars. The red ripened fruits, in particular, offer elevated levels of beta-carotene and lycopene, compounds linked to cardiovascular and skin health.
Garden & Ecological Benefits:
Disease Resistance: Naturally resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), making it more dependable for both home and market growers.
Pollinator Friendly: Blooms attract bees and beneficial insects early in the season.
High Productivity: Produces consistent yields of uniform, large fruits under a range of growing conditions.
Adaptability: Performs well in raised beds, in-ground gardens, or containers with adequate support.
Shipped from U.S.A.
Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
Triple tested
We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!
Soil Readiness
for Pepper Plants (Capsicum spp.)
Where to get a soil test
Best option: your state’s Cooperative Extension soil testing lab.
Tip: Arid/alkaline regions (e.g., AZ, NM, UT, parts of CA) often use Olsen (bicarbonate) for phosphorus.
Interprets P by extractant; assumes ppm. Results are approximate.
Enter at least one value above, then Calculate.
Summary
Recommended Amendments (per 100 sq ft)
How to Use
Mix P & K sources into top 3–6″ a week or two before planting.
If pH is low, apply lime 3–4 weeks pre-plant (or fall/winter).
Side-dress peppers with ~0.1 lb N / 100 sq ft at first bloom & fruit set.
Add 1–2″ finished compost yearly to build organic matter.
Container mix? Use a peat/coco-based mix with compost and slow-release organic fertilizer; pH is usually already correct.
Payment & Security
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Pepper Seeds - Sweet - Keystone Giant
$200 USD
$650
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
A powerhouse of flavor and reliability, Keystone Resistant Giant Sweet Pepper stands tall among bell varieties for its large, blocky fruits, crisp texture, and excellent disease resistance. Each pepper grows 4–5 inches across with thick, juicy walls that maintain their crunch from green maturity through to deep red ripeness.
This improved strain of the classic Keystone Giant was selected for resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), ensuring strong plants and consistent harvests even under challenging garden conditions. Compact yet productive, plants reach about 24–30 inches in height and deliver heavy yields across a long season.
In the kitchen, Keystone Resistant Giant shines for its sweet, classic bell flavor—ideal for stuffing, roasting, salads, or sautéing. Fruits ripen evenly, hold shape beautifully, and offer a mild sweetness that intensifies as the peppers mature to red.
An American-bred, open-pollinated variety, Keystone Resistant Giant combines heirloom flavor with dependable modern performance. From backyard gardens to market rows, it’s a grower’s standby that rewards with abundant, uniform, and flavorful harvests season after season.
Seeds look great and gorgeous colors. These glass gem seeds look healthy and a great value for the price. I will update you when I plant them on how many germinate.
The taste is great and the tomato is yellow in color 1-2 lb tomatoes.
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D.F.
Seeds look great and gorgeous colors. These glass gem seeds look healthy and a great value for the price. I will update you when I plant them on how many germinate.
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D.F.
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D.F.
Seeds look great 👍 and i haven't had a chance to plant any of them yet, but I will update you when I put them in a seed tray and see how many germinate.
