Hot Peppers

Seed Savers Exchange - The hottest pepper we offer, from the Central African Republic. Habanero-type peppers with delicious citrus flavor and few seeds. Golden-orange 3" long fruits are borne in abundance on sturdy 30" plants. A great choice for pots and can be overwintered inside. 90 days from transplant. Sizzling hot. ±8,200 seeds/oz.  Characteristics  Fruits ripen from green to orange Habanero-type with citrus flavor Plants grow to 30 inches Very hot pepper 90 days from transplant 50 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Living Seed Company - A standard workhorse hot pepper.  Cayenne is loved around the world.  Thin skin makes it a favorite for drying and also great fresh!  Large plants are very productive.  Cayenne is perfect for hot sauces, making powder of flakes for pizza and the like.  Also great in spicing up pickles! Organic Excellent flavor Highly productive Heavy yields Medium Hot Pepper: 30,000-50,000 Scoville heat units 70-85 days from transplant 22-30" Tall 25 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 5-15 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Exchange - From SSE member Larry Pierce of Cabool, Missouri. Named Traveler because Larry carried this seed with him when he moved to Oklahoma, Wyoming, and then Missouri. Sturdy plants covered in cylindrical fruits that average 3" long. Fruits ripen from green to bright red. 70-90 days from transplant. Hot. Characteristics:  Best-selling hot pepper Cylindrical fruits grow to 3 inches Peppers ripen from green to bright red Hot pepper 70-90 days from transplant 25 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Aji Limon by The Living Seed Company This flavorful, bright yellow pepper will catch your eye and delight your palate. The ají limón pepper will offer a bountiful harvest and is an easy going grower. With a bright citrusy flavor and aroma, this spicy pepper is perfect for a beautiful and delicious yellow hot sauce or salsa! Originally from Peru, this tangy pepper is also known as a Lemon Drop pepper and will be strong heat to any dish.  Organic & Open-Pollinated Mildly Hot pepper, 15,000 to 30,000 Scoville Units 80-100 days from transplant 15 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Red Rocoto Pepper by The Living Seed Company The Red Rocoto Hot Pepper, a fiery and flavorful addition to any garden or kitchen. This unique pepper variety, also know as Locoto or Manzano is native to Peru and Bolivia, and is prized for its distinct flavor and heat.  Also know as Locoto or Manzano.  Organic & Open-Pollinated Strong resistance to TMV Mildly Hot pepper, 30,000 to 100,000 Scoville Units 100-120 days from transplant 15 Seeds The Red Rocoto Pepper plants produce a bountiful harvest of vibrant, cherry-red peppers that are perfect for adding a spicy kick to your favorite dishes. Whether you're looking to make hot sauce, salsa, or simply add some heat to your stir-fries or stews, the Red Rocoto Pepper is sure to deliver.These hardy pepper plants will grow for years if protected from heavy frost and freezing. Can withstand some frost but will die back.   Produces an abundance of peppers, especially in second year and beyond. Seeds can be hard to germinate, keep them over 75 degrees F.  Plants will then do great in cooler climates. Keep fruit on plant until you are ready to use Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - This stunning ornamental pepper makes a splash in both borders and containers. Bushy plants produce a dense canopy of dark-purple leaves and myriad small, conical peppers that ripen from purple to orange to dark red. The peppers measure about 3/4" long and stand erect on the plant; they are edible but very pungent and somewhat bitter. ‘Grandma Kirksey’ is named for Willie Jane (Pulley) Kirksey, who received the variety during the Great Depression and grew the peppers in her flower beds. 100 days to ripe fruit from transplant. Hot. Organic.  Characteristics  From the Collection for 2022 Organic Colorful fruits grow to 3/4-1 inch Bushy plants have dark purple leaves and small conical peppers Hot pepper 100 days from transplant 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - A Seed Savers Exchange staff favorite! Finger-sized fruit ripens from pale yellow-green to reddish-pink and tastes delightfully fruity with light citrus and berry overtones, yet are very hot. Juicy peppers have a crisp and crunchy texture and reach 3-4" long when ripe. Elongate, pendant fruit has a semi-wrinkled skin and pointed blossom end. Erect plants grow 2-3' tall and produce light-green leaves and stems, light-purple nodes, and white flowers with yellow spots. Highly productive, this pepper matures mid- to late-season. It was donated to Seed Savers Exchange in 1996 by Darrell Kellogg, who obtained it in 1987 from Bishop Nursery in Oregon. 90 days from transplant. Hot. Organic. Characteristics  Organic SSE staff favorite is highly productive Fruits grow to 3 to 4 inches long Juicy and very crunchy Very hot with pleasant berry and citrus flavors New for 2021 90 days from transplant 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Exchange - This gorgeous, versatile, and delicious blocky pepper originates from Italy and is ideal for stuffing, frying, and canning, with a heat level that ranges from mild to hot. Pendant fruits measure 4 to 5 inches long by 2 to 2.5 inches wide. Its medium-thick flesh matures from green to red, and plants measure 18 to 24 inches tall. (70-80 days). This Italian family heirloom pepper was donated to Seed Savers Exchange in 2015 by Chad and Michele Ogle-Riccelli of Des Moines, Iowa. Chad's great-grandparents, Giovanni "John" Ausilio and Rachel P. Scarcello, immigrated from Italy in the early 1900s. Their daughter Theresa continues to grow the pepper, which today is at the center of the family's culinary traditions. It is used for drying, frying, stuffing, canning and making sardas (savory rolls flavored with dried peppers and sardines). ±4,200 seeds/oz When asked why the family chose to preserve this pepper and save seeds form year to year, Chad says, "As Grandma (Theresa Ausilio Riccelli) would tell you, they are her family seeds. Something that special, you love and pass on for generations to come...These peppers are part of our heritage." Organic Italian-style thin skin frying pepper Red fruits grow to 5 inches long Moderate to high heat 25 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Donated to SSE by Hugh and Barbara Havercamp. Passed down from Barbara’s father, Ralph Mead Thompson of Woburn, MA. Originally from Italian immigrants who came to Boston as indentured servants. Red fruit, saucer shaped with strong ribbing. Highly productive. Sweet flavor with medium-high heat. 80-90 days from transplant. Medium hot. Characteristics: Organic Red fruit is saucer shaped with strong ribbing Highly productive Mild to medium hot pepper 80-90 days from transplant 25 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Exchange - (C. chinense) (aka Lucifer’s Dream) Caribbean favorite many times hotter than the jalapeño. Three-foot tall plants produce enormous yields of small rippled peppers with a characteristic fruity flavor and aroma. 90-100 days from transplant. Sizzling hot. Small, rippled, bright red fruits Plants grow to 3 feet Very hot pepper Enormous yields 90-100 days from transplant 25 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - A piquant pepper from the Republic of Georgia, up to eight inches long, with thick, crunchy flesh. Two-foot high plants produce copious amounts of fruit throughout the season. An excellent salsa pepper. 90 days from transplant. Hot. ±3,800 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Organic Fruits grow to 8 inches Thick, crunchy flesh Excellent salsa pepper Very productive throughout the season Hot pepper 90 days from transplant 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Pepper species are native to the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. The Spanish and Portuguese brought them back to Europe and to their colonies in Africa and Asia. From there peppers continued to spread and develop. The chemical in hot peppers that causes a burning sensation is known as capsaicin and can be found in the highest concentration in the white pith around the seeds. Characteristics  Fruits ripen from light green to reddish-orange Waxy fruits grow to 3-4 inches Plants grow to 3 feet Hot pepper 50 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Heavy yields of finger-width, thin-walled red peppers are great for fresh eating or drying and grow up to 12" long. Originally from Calabria, Italy, this variety circulated through the Italian-Canadian seed saving community in Toronto before being sent to Joe Sestito in Troy, New York. It was introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1996 by longtime member Dr. Carolyn Male. 85 days from transplant. Hot.  Characteristics  Hot pepper Great for fresh eating or drying Highly productive Thin red fruits grow to 12 inches 85 days from transplant 50 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Short-statured plants with fruit averaging 2.3" long, 1.3" wide. Small, conical, bell-like shape fruit, green ripening to red. Medium-high heat, good flavor.  Characteristics  Organic Medium-high heat Short-statured plants Fruit averages 2.3" long by 1.3" wide 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Introduced in 1903 by the William Henry Maule seed company of Philadelphia. Vivid red 10" long cayenne-type peppers are great for hot sauce or dried red pepper flakes. High-yielding plants produce well even in northern areas. 80 days from transplant. Hot. ±4,200 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Fruits grow to 10 inches Fruits mature from green to vivid red Good production even in northern areas Hot pepper 80 days from transplant 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability