Hot Pepper Seedlings
Hot peppers are a diverse group of peppers that are known for their spicy and fiery flavour. The spiciness of hot peppers is measured using the Scoville scale, which assigns a numerical value to the amount of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat. The higher the SHU, the hotter the pepper. For example, bell peppers have a SHU of 0, while the Carolina Reaper, one of the hottest peppers in the world, has a SHU of over 2 million.
Hot peppers are known for their spicy and pungent flavour. The heat of a pepper can vary from mild to extremely hot, depending on the variety. The heat is primarily concentrated in the seeds and the white pith inside the pepper, so removing these parts can reduce the spiciness. The flavor of hot peppers can range from fruity and sweet to smoky and earthy, depending on the variety.
Tips on how to plant Peppers:
1- Pepper plants require full sun, so select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
2- Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
3- Transplant seedlings: Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, you can transplant your pepper seedlings outdoors. Peppers are VERY temperature sensitive, and require us to be receiving consistent 10 degree nights before planting outside. A cold evening, or even a cold wind, will damage young plants. Don’t be in a rush to get your peppers in the ground.
4- Space your plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
5- Water thoroughly: After planting, water the pepper plants thoroughly to settle the soil and ensure good root-to-soil contact. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.
6- Provide support (if needed): Some pepper varieties, especially those that produce larger fruits, may benefit from staking or trellising. If necessary, install stakes or cages around the plants to provide support as they grow.
7- Mulch and weed control: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
8- Fertilize and maintain: As the pepper plants grow, fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions. Regularly harvest the peppers when they reach the desired size and colour.
Our Varieties (in order of heat profile):
Jalapeno
Jalapeño peppers are a popular type of chilli pepper known for their medium heat and distinctive flavour. Jalapeño peppers are small to medium-sized peppers, typically measuring around 2-3.5 inches (5-9 centimeters) in length. They have a thick, waxy skin that is smooth and shiny. When ripe, jalapeño peppers are green, but they can also turn red as they mature.
Jalapeño peppers have a unique flavour profile that is both spicy and slightly sweet. They have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of around 2,500 to 8,000, which puts them in the medium heat range. The heat of jalapeño peppers is concentrated in the seeds and the white pith inside the pepper. Removing these parts can reduce the spiciness.
Cayanne
Cayenne peppers are a type of hot pepper that is widely used in cooking for its spicy and pungent flavour. Cayenne peppers are long and slender, typically measuring around 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) in length. They have a curved shape and a smooth, shiny skin. When ripe, cayenne peppers are bright red in colour, but they can also be harvested when they are still green.
Cayenne peppers are known for their intense heat and spiciness. They have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of around 30,000 to 50,000, which puts them in the medium to hot range on the heat scale.
Habenaro
Habanero peppers are a type of chilli pepper known for their intense heat and fruity flavour. Habanero peppers are small to medium-sized peppers, typically measuring around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimetres) in length. They have a lantern-like shape with a wrinkled and bumpy skin. When ripe, habanero peppers can come in a variety of colours, including orange, red, yellow, and even chocolate brown.
Habanero peppers are known for their extreme heat and spiciness. They have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of around 100,000 to 350,000, which puts them in the very hot to extremely hot range. The heat of habanero peppers is intense and can linger on the palate. In addition to their heat, habanero peppers have a distinct fruity flavor, often described as citrusy or tropical.
Ring of Fire
"Ring of Fire" peppers are a specific variety of chilli pepper known for their heat and spiciness. Ring of Fire peppers are small to medium-sized chilli peppers, typically measuring around 2-3 inches (5-7.5 centimetres) in length. They have a tapered shape and a smooth, shiny skin. When ripe, Ring of Fire peppers are bright red in colour.
Ring of Fire peppers are known for their intense heat and spiciness. They have a high Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating, typically ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 or higher. The heat of Ring of Fire peppers is concentrated in the seeds and the white pith inside the pepper. Removing these parts can reduce the spiciness. In terms of flavor, Ring of Fire peppers have a fruity and slightly sweet taste, which adds complexity to their heat.
Scotch Bonnet
Scotch bonnet peppers are a type of chilli pepper known for their fiery heat and distinct flavour. Scotch bonnet peppers are small to medium-sized peppers, typically measuring around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) in diameter. They have a round, squat shape with a wrinkled and bumpy skin. When ripe, Scotch bonnet peppers can come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red.
Scotch bonnet peppers are known for their intense heat and spiciness. They have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of around 100,000 to 350,000, which puts them in the very hot to extremely hot range. The heat of Scotch bonnet peppers is similar to habanero peppers, but with a slightly different flavor profile. Scotch bonnet peppers have a fruity and tropical taste, often described as having hints of citrus and apricot.
