Semillas Fitó has announced the upcoming launch of two new California pepper varieties, one red and one yellow, designed to meet the current needs of growers and distributors in the Almería region. Developed with a focus on profitability, commercial quality and plant health, these varieties are the result of years of research and innovation on the company's own farms in El Ejido and its postharvest laboratory in Almería.
"The goal is clear: to provide growers with a top-quality product, high yields and excellent postharvest performance. We aim to maximize profitability from the field to the point of sale," says Ginés Gómez, crop specialist for peppers at Semillas Fitó.
© Semillas Fitó S.A.U.
Commercial quality from the start
The new red California variety, Jalisco, is intended for mid-to-late season plantings. Its harvest window spans from the second half of June in Dalia and Berja, through early July in Níjar, to the second half of July in El Ejido.
Key strengths include a G–GG calibre fruit, excellent colour in both red and green without silvering, allowing for more versatile and commercially attractive harvesting. It also shows no cracking or Botrytis, thanks to its strong wound-healing ability after cutting. "It's a pepper that offers security to the grower: it doesn't split, heals very well and has excellent plant health, with resistance to L4, spotted and powdery mildew," Gómez notes.
© Semillas Fitó S.A.U.Lebron: the new benchmark for yellow
The second variety, Lebron, is a yellow California pepper recommended for plantings throughout August. Its main strength lies in consistent G-size fruit across the entire cycle, with thick walls, excellent firmness, and a bright lemon-yellow colour that does not turn orange or fade over time.
Both varieties have an open plant habit and small leaves, facilitating field management. They also feature a high density of leaf trichomes, supporting the establishment of beneficial insects for biological control — a key factor for integrated and sustainable production strategies.
Built for export and demanding postharvest
Commercial versatility was a key criterion in the development of these varieties. High yields, firm texture and excellent transport performance make them ideal for export and demanding supply chains. "These are varieties that arrive at their destination in perfect condition, with proven consistency. The market demands reliability and quality, and that's exactly what they deliver," Gómez concludes.
For more information:
Semillas Fitó
Tel.: +34 648 128 243
[email protected]
www.semillasfito.es
