IS1508 Commercial Production of Pimiento Pepper in Mississippi Commercial Production of Pimiento Pepper in Mississippi Pimiento peppers are grown for the red flesh of their heart-shaped fruit. Plan all cultural considerations toward maximum production of the ripe fruit. The processor normally selects the variety and may supply the seed.
Several varieties are on the market, but none of the varieties have a good resistance to diseases.
The Perfection variety was released in 1912, and the Truhart Perfection in 1943. The soils for commercial production of pimiento peppers must be well-drained, and the area should receive as much sun as possible. Pimientos do not tolerate wet soil. Soils with poor internal drainage should be leveled and bedded to provide protection from flooding after heavy rains. The field should not have had any Cotoran, Karmex, Scepter, Zorial, Prefar, Pursuit, Command, Reflex, or other long-residual herbicide applied to the preceding crop.