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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - A California Wonder type with large, blocky, pendant fruit (3½ x 4 in.). Mosaic resistant. Heavy foliage reduces susceptibility to sunscald. Thick stems hold up under heavy fruit load. Well suited to the Mid-Atlantic, but not recommended for the Deep South. Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms   Instructions - Sow seeds 8-10 weeks before planting out after the last frost. Maintain soil temperature at least 75-85 degrees F for good germination. Peppers won’t germinate in cold potting soil–heat makes a big difference in seeds germinating in 5 days, or seeds taking up to 20 days! (Since germination can be slower if seeds don’t have enough heat, make sure to sow extra seeds in case germination is low.) Don’t overwater seeds or they may rot. Don’t rush the season: a good rule of thumb is to transfer peppers to the garden after the dogwood blossoms have fallen, or when the average soil temperature is 65 degrees F or above (usually a month after the last frost). Plant seeds 1/4" deep in well-drained soil in shallow flats.  Transplant to 3" pots as soon as several leaves have developed.  Water with warm water  Harden plants with plentiful light and set them outside on warm days for a few hours  Space plants 18-24" apart in rows or blocks.  Maintain high levels of phosphorus for sustained yields. Days to maturity are days after transplanting    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the 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

Seed Savers Exchange - Originated in Hungary. All-around excellent paprika pepper for quality and performance. Extremely productive plants produce 3" by 4-5" long fruits that have exceptionally sweet flesh, up to 12 fruits per plant. 80-85 days from transplant. Sweet. ±5,000 seeds/oz.  Characteristics  Fruits ripen from white to orange to red Fruits grow to 5 inches Excellent paprika pepper Dwarf plant Sweet pepper 80-85 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

Sweet Banana Pepper - Who doesn't love a good pickled banana pepper!  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Sweet 6" long conical fruits ripen from yellow-green to orange then red. They are the sweetest when picked red. Great for salads, frying or pickling! Capsicum Annuum Characteristics  Banana shaped fruits grow to 6 inches Plants grow to 30 inches Resistant to disease and rotting Sweet pepper 70 days from transplant .3g , 40 Seeds per packet on average 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

We have Seed Savers Exchange Shishito in stock at the moment - Organic Shishito Pepper (Sweet) (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) High Mowing Organic Seeds -Small, mild Japanese pepper for roasting, pan-frying and grilling. Thin walls blister and char easily when roasted or grilled, taking on rich flavor that is delicious with coarse salt and lemon juice (or with a splash of soy sauce). The occasional fruit will display heat. Typically harvested and used green, but eventually turns orange and red with sweeter flavor. Prolific! Organic and Open Pollinated Eat fresh Mild but can be hot from time to time Harvest in 60-75 days from transplant Hot pepper 1/64 ounce (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 18-36" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability    

Seed Savers Exchange - Sweet 4" long conical fruits ripen from yellow-green to orange then red. Early maturing 30" plants are resistant to disease and rotting and will ripen even during cloudy summers. Developed at the Institute of Vegetable Breeding and Seed Production on the western edge of Moscow. 70 days from transplant. Sweet. ±4,900 seeds/oz.  Characteristics  Conical fruits grow to 4 inches Plants grow to 30 inches Resistant to disease and rotting Sweet pepper 70 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

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

High Mowing Organic Seeds - Southwestern style traditional Anaheim harvested green for stuffing, grilling, roasting, or processing. Peppers average 8" long and have thick, crisp flesh with mild heat and excellent flavor. The very productive strain quickly changes from green to red. Improved version of New Mexico 6-4 pepper, with thicker, longer fruits that mature earlier. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Anaheim  8" fruits 1/64 ounce of seeds  Instructions - Peppers prefer light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with pH 6.5-6.8. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer when transplanting to give young peppers a good start. Keep nitrogen levels in moderation, as high amounts can reduce yields. Start transplants 6-8 weeks before the planting date. Sow seeds into flat ~4 seeds/inch and then pot up into 2” or larger cells after the first set of true leaves appear. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 85°F.  For growing transplants, maintain the temperature at around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Harden off plants by slightly reducing the temperature to 60-65°F and reducing water for 2-3 days before transplanting. Plant 1/4" deep  Plant Spacing: 12-18"  Row Spacing: 18-36" or double rows 18" apart on 5-6' centers  Harvest & Storage - Harvest first peppers promptly to stimulate further fruit production. Peppers can be harvested and eaten at either the unripe (green) or ripe (colored) stage.  Colored peppers generally require 2 – 4 weeks longer. Store peppers at 50° - 54°F and 95% percent relative humidity. Chilling injury occurs at temperatures below 45°F.    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the 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 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - A classic red bell pepper, this variety bears large fruit with a good, sweet flavor. Fruits range from triangular to bell-shaped and turn from green to dark red. Mature fruit measure 3-6" long and 3-4" wide and weigh 4-8 ounces. Mid-season maturing plants grow 2-2.5′ tall. This pepper was donated to Seed Savers Exchange by Exchange lister Louis Marcelina, who obtained it in 1984 from fellow lister William Lyons. 69-80 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  From the Collection for 2023  Organic  Large, sweet red bell pepper  Fruits range from triangular to bell-shaped  69-80 days from transplant  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.  Start Indoors: 8 weeks before the last frost  Germination: 14 days  Plant Outdoors: 12-24" apart  Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability