80-90 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Nu Mex Twilight Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, deer resistant, hot heat levels. 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Developed and cultivated by New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute, NuMex Twilight seeds grow some of the most colorful and exciting peppers available to home gardens. NuMex Twilight peppers seeds are a decorative, yet flavorful, plant to keep on sunny patios that dazzle with vibrant purple hot peppers that change to yellow and orange throughout the growing season, finally red when ready to harvest. NuMex Twilight hot pepper seeds are specifically bred for gardens similar to the demanding, arid New Mexico heat. ~5,000 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Capsicum annuum 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: 80-90 (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: 24-36 inches Plant Height: 18-24 inches Plant Width: 10-36 inches Growth Habit: Upright Deer Resistant: Yes Scoville Heat Units: 30,000 to 50,000 Heat Level: Hot - 30,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example Cayenne & Tabasco. Growth Speed: Mid - Ready for harvest around 76 to 90 days 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. Nu Mex Twilight Pepper Color: Purple, Yellow, Orange, Red Nu Mex Twilight Pepper Flavor: Hot with a slightly bitter undertone; primarily ornamental but also edible Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Pepper Use: Decoration Climate Tolerance: Growing NuMex Twilight Peppers in the Vegetable Garden Begin by sowing the pepper seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. Plant the seeds about 0.25 inch deep in a damp, sterile seed-starting mix. Maintain a consistent soil temperature between 65 F and 85 F, using a heat mat if necessary, to encourage germination. Provide ample light using grow lights positioned close to the seedlings to prevent leggy growth. Once seedlings develop their second or third set of true leaves, usually around 3 to 4 weeks after germination, transplant them into larger pots to accommodate root growth. Continue to provide sufficient light and maintain indoor temperatures until outdoor conditions are suitable. Before moving plants outdoors, harden them off for 1-2 weeks. Start by placing the seedlings outside in a sheltered location for an hour, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions each day. This process helps the plants acclimate and reduces transplant shock. Transplant the hardened-off seedlings into the garden, raised beds, or containers once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 F and the risk of frost has passed. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart (or one per pot). Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, aiming to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Avoid overhead watering. Once plants are established, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks to promote fruit development without excessive foliage growth. Harvesting Nu Mex Twilight Peppers NuMex Twilight peppers undergo a striking color transformation as they mature, transitioning from purple to yellow, orange, and finally red. While the peppers can be harvested at any stage, they reach peak flavor and heat when fully red. Harvesting typically takes place between 85 and 120 days after transplanting. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem attached to the fruit. Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production throughout the growing season. About Nu Mex Twilight Pepper Garden Seeds Developed by the Agriculture Experimentation Station at New Mexico State University, NuMex Twilight peppers are a hybrid of the Thai ornamental pepper. They were bred for their ornamental value, featuring compact growth and a stunning array of fruit colors that progress through the spectrum as they mature. This unique color progression often results in a single plant displaying multiple fruit colors simultaneously, creating a striking visual effect. Tips From Our Gardeners "I love having ornamental pepper plants such as the NuMex Twilight as patio table centerpieces. They add so much visual interest to a space!" - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Scoville Heat Scale Nu Mex Twilight Pepper Seeds Per Package: 500 mg Packet - Approximately 88 Seeds 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,250 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 5,000 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 20,000 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 80,000 Seeds Non-GMO Nu Mex Twilight Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
