Company prepares to launch two new varieties of California peppers and new melon offerings
Semillas Fitó is seeking to reinforce its position in the California pepper segment with the upcoming launch of two new varieties designed to meet the needs of farmers in Almería. It says Jalisco (a red variety) and Lebron (a yellow pepper) stand out for their resistance, excellent post-harvest characteristics, and ease of handling.
“The goal is clear: to provide farmers with a top-quality product, with very high yields and excellent post-harvest characteristics. We aim for profitability from the field to the point of sale,” said Ginés Gómez, pepper crop specialist at Semillas Fitó.
Jalisco, is designed for mid-to-late plantings. Its planting season runs from the second half of June in Dalia and Berja, through the first half of July in Níjar, to the second half of July in El Ejido.
It is a large pepper (G-GG), with good colouration in both red and green without silvering. Furthermore, it exhibits no cracking or botrytis, thanks to its ability to heal after cutting. “It’s a pepper that offers farmers peace of mind: it doesn’t split, it heals very well, and it has excellent health, with resistance to L4, spotted wilt virus, and powdery mildew,” Gómez stated.
Lebron, a yellow California pepper recommended for planting throughout August. According to the company, its main strength is the uniformity of its G-size throughout its cycle, maintaining a thick wall, excellent firmness, and a very attractive lemon-yellow colour that doesn’t turn orange or lose its shine over time.
Both varieties have a very open growth habit and small leaves, which facilitates handling in the field. They also have a high density of trichomes on their leaves, promoting the establishment of beneficial insects for biological control, a key aspect in integrated and sustainable production strategies.
Commercial versatility has been one of the key criteria in the development of these varieties. Their high yield, firmness, and transport performance make them ideal options for export and demanding supply chains. “These varieties arrive at their destination in perfect condition, with proven consistency. We know the market demands safety and quality, and that’s precisely what they offer,” Gómez said.
Separately, the company is seeking to consolidate its position in melon cultivation on the Iberian Peninsula, with a genetic improvement strategy focused on quality, resistance, and profitability for growers.
The company’s Montiel, Arroyo, Pias, and Robleo are already well established, and it will soon be adding new varieties adapted to current market trends.
Looking ahead, the company is preparing to launch new varieties that will expand its catalogue with smaller varieties adapted for export. One example is Kalimero, a mini melon weighing less than 2kg with a firm texture and very sweet flavour, slated for launch in 2026.
