100 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum. Chiltepin Hot Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, deer resistant, heat tolerant, drought tolerant, hot pepper with hot heat levels. 50,000-100,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Chiltepin peppers, often dubbed the "mother of all chiles," are a fiery and flavorful addition to any garden. These tiny, nearly round peppers are native to southern North America and northern South America and have been used in Mexican and Southwestern American cuisines for centuries. They are often picked wild in the Southwestern United States. ~5,000 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum Hardiness Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. Days to Maturity: 100 (from transplant) Days to Germination: 7-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: No Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. Pepper Pollination: Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. Pepper Type: Hot - These peppers all have some heat and usually rank at least 100, but usually 500 or more on the Scoville scale and have heat ranging from mild to extremely hot. Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches Row Spacing: 24-36 inches Plant Height: 18-24 inches Plant Width: 24-36 inches Growth Habit: Upright Deer Resistant: Yes Scoville Heat Units: 50,000-100,000 Heat Level: Hot - 30,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example Cayenne & Tabasco. Growth Speed: Late - Ready for harvest around 91 days or more from transplant. Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. Germination Temperature: 80-90 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. Chiltepin Hot Pepper Color: Red, Green Chiltepin Hot Pepper Flavor: Smoky, earthy, and citrusy. Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Pepper Use: Salsa, spice blends, pickling, infusions. Climate Tolerance: Heat, Drought Growing Chiltepin Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden Growing Chiltepin peppers starts with sowing seeds indoors about eight weeks before your region's last frost. Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix and plant seeds around 0.25 inch deep. These wild chilies need warmth to sprout; aim for temperatures around 80 F. Germination can take between 10 and 20 days, so patience is key. Once the seedlings have developed about six true leaves and your nights consistently stay above 70 F, set them outside for a few hours a day and increase the exposure over a week. After hardening off, transplant your chiltepins into well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.2 to 7.0). Space the plants about 3 feet apart to promote airflow and healthy growth. Chiltepin peppers also grow beautifully in containers; choose pots that hold at least 5 gallons of soil and have good drainage. Make sure your container garden sits in full sun, as these peppers thrive in heat and light. Whether you plant them in raised beds, garden plots, or pots, location and soil drainage are critical for success. Once your plants are in the ground or container, consistent care is key. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. To keep them fed, amend the soil with compost before planting, and then apply a balanced fertilizer (equal NPK ratio) every 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leafy growth with fewer fruits. Mulching around the base of the plant helps with moisture retention and weed control, while regular pruning of dead or yellowing leaves encourages airflow and fruiting. Harvesting Chiltepin Hot Peppers Chiltepin peppers are ready to harvest around 100 days after transplanting, typically when the tiny fruits ripen to a vibrant red. Since they’re very hot, gloves are a smart move during harvest. You can gently pluck them by hand or snip them off with scissors. About Chiltepin Hot Pepper Garden Seeds Also known as Indian pepper, grove pepper, tepin, chiltepe, chile tepin, turkey pepper, bird’s eye, or bird peppers, the Chiltepin pepper has been cultivated for centuries and is a true heirloom. Chiltepin is adapted to dry conditions as a wild pepper species. While they do benefit from regular watering when cultivated, they can survive periods of drought once established. Just be mindful that prolonged lack of water can reduce fruit production, so a balance is key: keep the soil moderately moist but never soggy. Their bold heat makes them ideal for spicy salsas, sauces, and drying for chili flakes. But their size, unique flavor, and historical significance (being one of the few wild pepper varieties still in use today) make them a prized pepper for gardeners looking for something both traditional and fiery. Chiltepin peppers are one of the wild ancestors of many domesticated chili varieties. They have been used for over 10,000 years as a food source and for medicinal purposes. In regions like Sonora, Mexico, chiltepins are still harvested from the wild and hold cultural significance among indigenous communities. Stories From Our Gardeners "I find it fascinating that all peppers around the world are descended from a few species that are native to the Americas. Even the peppers that are central to many Asian cuisines!" - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Scoville Heat Scale Chiltepin Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package: 250mg - Wholesale - Approximately 40 Seeds 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 5,000 Seeds Non-GMO Chiltepin Hot Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
