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Pueblo Primrose Ornamental Pepper

At a Glance

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed Pueblo Primrose, a compact ornamental chile pepper that grows 12–16 inches tall. Its 1.5-inch round peppers mature through a range of colors, from cream to yellow, orange, and red, adding dynamic visual interest to gardens. Pueblo Primrose combines unique height, open growth, and large, colorful fruit to enhance ornamental plantings. 

Background

Pueblo Primrose was developed from Holiday Cheer, a 1979 All-America Selections Flower Winner, using a single plant selection made in 2009. Between 2013 and 2020, seeds from uniform plants were tested at Colorado State University’s Arkansas Valley Research Center in Rocky Ford, Colorado, and later trialed in Fort Collins. Compared with Holiday Cheer, Pueblo Primrose grows taller, has a more open branching structure, and produces larger, more colorful fruit. Its adaptability to Colorado conditions makes it a reliable choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking visually appealing, easy-to-grow ornamental peppers. 

Overview

Pueblo Primrose is an ornamental chile pepper selected for uniform growth and vibrant fruit color progression. The plant produces round peppers that change color in stages, creating continuous visual interest. Its moderate height and open growth habit allow for flexible use in flower beds, containers, and public gardens, while its tolerance for Colorado environmental conditions ensures consistent performance. 

Figure 1. Mike Bartolo in a pepper field in Colorado. Photo courtesy of William A. Cotton/Colorado State University

Benefits

  • Larger fruit than its parent variety, Holiday Cheer
  • Fruit color progresses through multiple shades for extended visual appeal
  • Well adapted to Colorado growing conditions
  • Unique, open growth habit for versatile garden design

Applications

  • Ornamental bedding plant for home gardens
  • Public garden displays
  • Container plantings for patios or urban landscaping

Publications

“Meet the Pueblo Primrose, your spicy new favorite plant.” Palmer Land Conservancy Blog. https://www.palmerland.org/blog/meet-the-pueblo-primrose#  

N. Hunt (2021) “The mastermind behind Pueblo’s most popular green chile reflects on a career perfecting peppers.” 5280. https://5280.com/the-mastermind-behind-pueblos-most-popular-green-chile-reflects-on-a-career-perfecting-peppers/  

Last Updated: June 2026
Pueblo Primrose ornamental pepper plant with multicolored round peppers (cream, yellow, orange, red) among green leaves.
Opportunity

Exclusive Licensed

Inventors

Michael Bartolo

Reference Number
2021-055
Licensing Manager

Jessy McGowan 

jessy.mcgowan@colostate.edu  

970-491-7100  

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