85-100 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Peter Red Hot Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, deer resistant, heat tolerant, hot pepper with medium heat levels. 10,000 to 23,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Best known for its interesting shape, the Peter Red Hot Pepper is rightfully dubbed one of the most unique peppers to grow at home. Loved by chefs, gardeners, pranksters, and boundary-pushers, this pepper tastes similar to a Jalapeno but a bit sweeter. Peter Red Hot peppers are a spicy, ornamental heirloom variety, loved for their heat and novelty. ~5,500 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Capsicum annuum Hardiness Zone: 3, 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: 85-100 (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: 24-36 inches Plant Width: 18-24 inches Plant Spread: 18-24 inches Growth Habit: Upright Deer Resistant: Yes Scoville Heat Units: 10,000 to 23,000 Heat Level: Medium - 2,500 to 30,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Jalapeno. 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. Peter Red Hot Pepper Color: Red Peter Red Hot Pepper Flavor: Sweet and spicy. Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container Pepper Use: Peter Red Hot peppers are often used in salsas, hot sauces, pickling, and as a spicy addition to various dishes. Their unique shape also makes them popular as novelty peppers in decorative arrangements. Climate Tolerance: Growing Peter Red Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden Sow the seeds about 0.25 inch deep in a seed-starting tray or small containers filled with a high-quality seed-starting mix. Lightly press the seeds into the soil and cover them gently. Peter Red Hot peppers need warm soil temperatures between 75-85 F for successful germination. Placing the seeds on a heat mat can help maintain this warmth. Provide the seedlings with at least 12-16 hours of light daily using grow lights or placing them near a bright window. However, window light is often not adequate, and you may observe leggy seedlings. Over 7-10 days, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting. Begin by placing them outside for a few hours in a shaded area, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions. Once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55 F, transplant the peppers into the garden. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Be sure to plant them at the same depth as they were in their containers. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, but don’t allow it to become waterlogged. Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Use a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves, as well as any suckers that may appear between the main stems. Harvesting Peter Red Hot Peppers Peter Red Hot peppers are typically ready for harvest when they turn from green to a bright, vibrant red. Use a pair of scissors or pruners to snip the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Be careful not to pull the peppers off by hand, as this can damage the plant. They are at their hottest when fully red, but they can also be harvested earlier if you prefer a slightly milder heat. About Peter Red Hot Pepper Garden Seeds These peppers are a great option for gardeners looking for something out of the ordinary, whether for culinary use, ornamental appeal, or just to bring some humor to their garden. Peter Red Hot peppers are an heirloom variety native to the southern United States and parts of Mexico. Tips From Our Gardeners "It takes a special kind of person to grow a Peter Red Hot pepper on their patio… but they are actually well-suited to container gardening." - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Scoville Heat Scale Peter Red Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package: 250 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 40 Seeds 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,370 Seeds 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 5,500 Seeds 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 22,000 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 87,900 Seeds Non-GMO Peter Red Hot Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
