120-140 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Firecracker Hot Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom, open-pollinated, deer-resistant, heat-tolerant, hot pepper with hot heat levels. 30,000-40,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This pepper is a vibrant, compact plant known for its ornamental appeal and fiery flavor. Its upright, 1-inch pods mature through a spectrum of colors, from cream to yellow, orange, red, and finally purple, making it a standout in any garden. It offers a significant heat level suitable for various culinary uses. This unique pepper plant is grown in kitchen gardens and ornamental landscapes alike. It is the epitome of edible landscaping! ~5,000 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Capsicum annuum Hardiness Zone: 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: 120-140 (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. Ornamental - These are usually used as ornamental yard or house plants and are almost all container growable. These peppers are also edible but usually range from 30,000 on the Scoville Scale and up. They are mostly grown as ornamentals. Some sweet and hot peppers are also grown as ornamentals but are grown primarily for culinary use. Example: Numex Twilight is a hot pepper but is sometimes grown as an ornamental. Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches Row Spacing: 18-24 inches Plant Height: 18-30 inches Plant Width: 18-24 inches Growth Habit: Upright Deer Resistant: Yes Scoville Heat Units: 30,000-40,000 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. Firecracker Hot Pepper Color: Purple, Orange, Yellow, Red Firecracker Hot Pepper Flavor: Fruity, earthy, and citrusy. Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Pepper Use: Hot sauces, stir-fries, marinades, and ornamental purposes. Climate Tolerance:Heat Growing Firecracker Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden Sow Firecracker seeds indoors about two months before the last frost date of your area. Plant the seeds 0.25 inches deep in warm, moist, well-draining soil. Use a tray or small pots filled with well-draining seed starting mix. Maintain a consistent soil temperature between 70- 80F. Keep the soil consistently moist until true leaves have formed. Once the plants have a few true leaves, begin hardening off the plants in preparation for transplantation. Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is consistently above 55F, transplant the hardened-off seedlings into the garden. When transplanting, mix a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK, into the soil to promote healthy growth. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation. If planting in containers, select pots with drainage holes and a capacity of at least 5 gallons to accommodate root growth. Firecracker peppers thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to enhance soil fertility. Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Throughout the growing season, apply a side dressing of compost or a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to support continued development. Harvesting Firecracker Hot Peppers The fruits mature through various colors, and while they can be harvested at any stage, waiting until they reach their final deep red or purple hue ensures peak flavor and heat. To harvest, use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Use gloves when handling the fruit, and wash your hands frequently. About Firecracker Hot Pepper Garden Seeds The Firecracker pepper is an heirloom variety bred from Indian hot peppers for its ornamental appeal and spicy flavor. Its compact size makes it ideal for container gardening, while its vibrant, multicolored fruits add visual interest. Firecracker is resilient in hot weather, especially when planted in well-draining soil and mulched properly to retain moisture. While it does appreciate consistent watering, it can handle short periods of dryness without too much stress Tips From Our Gardeners "Imagine this beautiful plant with various fruits at all the different stages of maturity sitting atop your patio garden table. What a conversation piece!" - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Scoville Heat Scale Firecracker Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package: 1 g Packet - Approximately 176 Seeds 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,250 Seeds 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,000 Seeds 4 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 20,000 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 400,000 Seeds Non-GMO Firecracker Hot Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
