Peppers

One of our favorites! An earlier version that is smaller but ripens much earlier which is perfect for our northern summers.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Rooted in history, A heavy yielder and a favorite in our 2016 pepper taste test. Aji Amarillo peppers are a key ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. This rare “Chinchi” strain bears smaller peppers, about 3 × ½ in., much earlier in the season than the standard Aji Amarillo. Thanks to Chris Watson for providing seedstock to Southern Exposure, SESE introduced this in 2018. Fruity, flavorful, with medium-high heat. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  3" fruits 59 days for green peppers, longer to ripe toyellow .3 grams of ~40 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    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Originally from Curico, Chile. The large 3' Aji Cristal Pepper plants produce very heavy sets of 3.5" long waxy fruits.  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 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

Venezuelan and Caribbean heirloom -  Has the same shape, size, color and aroma as Habanero, but is sweet, spicy, and delicious, with only a trace of heat. Highly aromatic fruits; their flavor is unusual and complex, with overtones of black pepper and coriander, and undertones of other spicy flavors. An excellent choice for sautéed vegetables, rice and bean dishes, paprika, or herbal vinegars. The thin-walled pendant fruits are 1 x 2 in., tapering at both the stem and blossom end. Plants have good foliage cover and bear at 18 in. high. Seedlings grow slowly at first, but grow rapidly later in the season to 48 in. or more. Donna Hudson donated the orginal seedstock for Southern Exposure.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Aji Dulce are from Souther America and the Caribbean islands Haberno like fruits 99 days .2 grams of ~50 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

  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    

  Aji Peppers are filled with tons of flavors and mild to medium heat. Aji Cinchi Amarillo are the hottest of this collection measuring 30k-50k Scoville ratings. Aji Limon is in the middle at 15k-30k and has a beautiful citrus flavor! Aji Dulce are mild at under 1k Scoville ratings but packed with so much flavor, we find ourselves adding this to everything! All  Characteristics:  Aji Limon, Aji Dulce and Aji Cinchi Amarillo are part of this collection Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO 10-15 seeds of each variety  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

Aji Rico Hot Pepper  -  This is a new pepper that was released in 2017 by the Pan American Seed Company.  It ripens faster than most hot peppers for its size making it an excellent choice for short season gardens.  hard to reproduce, this one seems stable enough from year 1 and even received the prestigious American Award Selections.  Plants reach 40-48" in height, the fruit is 4-6" long and has a Scoville rating of 5,000 but can be a little higher. The flavor profile is citrusy and sweet.  Our  farm grown seed is on the 5th year and is relatively stable.  We will also offer seed from High Mowing Organics for purchase in December 2026 Characteristics:  Non-GMO, F1 Hybrid but is stable. 4-6" Long Fruits, broadshoulders and slight taper to the base. 85 days 10 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

Preorder - Ready around 11/25!  It's back! We loved this one so much we grew it out so we could have year after year! It has been missed by so many since 2023. You would be hard pressed to find a better paprika! Starts shipping 11/25. Our source seed was Seedsaver's Exchange for the original seed. The peppers are thick walled, short and squatty which allows a lot of paprika in a short season garden!  Characteristics  Cherry type fruits ripen from cream-white to orange to red Fruits are thick-walled The sweet, mildly peppery flavor Highly productive 70-80 days from transplant 15 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

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. In 1894 Emilio Ortega started farming ths chili in Anaheim, California. The name Anaheim Chili stuck with this chile he brought from New Mexico. He would not only grow these for sale but developed a process to have it canned as fire-roasted chilis. This chili, like all chilis, vary in heat and flavor based on the soild it is grown.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Anaheim, California is where it was cultivated 8" fruits .3 grams of ~40 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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Revived by North Carolina seed saver Rob Danford. One of the few peppers that reliably produces well in the short Smoky Mountain growing season (150 days or less). An incredibly sweet, bright red, thick-fleshed pimento pepper, 4 x 1½ in. Great raw, as well as for cooking, roasting, and canning. Small (24-30 in.) plants may be closely spaced (18 in. apart). These peppers are from Ashe County, town of West Jefferson in the Smoky Mountains. These peppers are small in size but big in flavor.  They have a concentrated sweetness and mild pepperiness.  Organic & Open-Pollinated 52 days from transplant for green .3 grams of seeds, ~50 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 Exchange - Stunning 1½" long fruits borne on foot-high ornamental plants, perfect for container growing. Fruits ripen from lavender to deep purple to orange and finally to red. 60-75 days from transplant. Medium hot. Organic Colorful fruits grow to 1-2 inches Plants grow to 12 inches Medium hot pepper 60-75 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 - 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 - Hungarian heirloom brought to Beaver Dam, WI in 1912 by the Joe Hussli and then by his daughter in 1919.  Florence Hussli recommends adding crisp sliced rings to a cheese and bologna sandwich or using for stuffed peppers. Fruits are mildly hot when seeded. 80 days from transplant. Medium. Characteristics  Fruits ripen from green to red Medium hot fruits are mildly hot when seeded 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. 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

Black Hungarian Pepper is an old heirloom we love to grow! It is rich in flavor, provides a richness to sauces and dishes plus the little bit of heat it provides is perfect. We sometimes will make baked poppers with these when are jalapeños are not quite ready. Our seed this year is from Seedsavers for all of our options.  Seed Savers Exchange -  Highly ornamental and useful in the kitchen, the 4" long fiery fruits of this early-to-mature pepper resemble jalapeños, but are shiny black and eventually ripen to red. The prolific plants grow to 3' tall and produce green foliage highlighted by dark-purple veins alongside beautiful purple flowers. A good substitute for jalapeños. 70-80 days from transplant. Medium hot. Characteristics  Spicy fruits ripen from black to red A good substitute for jalapeños Fruits grow to 4 inches Medium hot pepper 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

This pepper has several names, Shipka Bulgarian, Carrot Pepper, Bulgarian Carrot Pepper or Hot Carrot Pepper.  They are sometimes just called Shipka peppers.  A true heirloom from Bulgaria. Choose from two of our great seed labels. This one tends to sell out fast so we decided to offer it from multiple companies. If you have not grown this hot pepper, then now is your chance.  Eighteen-inch plants produce abundant crops of 3" long fruits that ripen to yellow-orange, quite hot yet fruity. Crunchy flesh adds color and sizzle to chutneys and salsas. Excellent when roasted. 70-80 days from transplant. Hot.  Characteristics  Orange fruits grow to 3 inches Excellent when roasted Plants grow to 18 inches Hot pepper 70-80 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. 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 - Likely introduced to North America in the 1700s. In 1812, Thomas Jefferson recorded Bull Nose peppers in his garden calendar at Monticello. Crisp fruits ripen from green to red with an excellent flavor. Productive, sturdy plants. 55-80 days from transplant. Sweet. ±3,600 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Fruits ripen to red Excellent flavor Productive, sturdy plants Sweet pepper 55-80 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 - Sweet and productive Polish pepper. Two-foot tall plants produce 4" long bell fruits with 3 lobes. Sweet even when green, sure to be a favorite. Does well in dry areas. 90 days from transplant. Sweet. ±4,500 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Fruits are sweet, even when green Fruits grow to 3-lobed, 4 inch long bells Plants grow to 2 feet Sweet 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 - Prolific yields of flavorful blunt fruits with distinctive jalapeno flavor. Developed at Clemson University in 1986.  It is 2-3 times more hot than regular Cayennes! Heavy yields of 5 in. fruits, larger than most Cayenne peppers. Excellent nematode resistance. 3 ft. plants, 70 days. (green > red).  Organic & Open-Pollinated Excellent nematoda resistant Mildly Hot pepper 100,000 - 125,000 Scoville Units 70 days from transplant for green .2 grams of seeds, ~40-65 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

This ever so popular one for us backordered. We are taking orders and will send your other seeds out as normal while we wait.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - The best nematode- resistant bell for home gardeners. Foliage, fruits, and yields are very similar to California Wonder. This variety is a potentially valuable line for developing other nematode-resistant bell peppers. It is also less prone to developing fungus in the seed cavity. Sweet flavor even when green.  Organic & Open-Pollinated Excellent nematoda resistant 75 days from transplant for green .3 grams of seeds, ~40-45seeds  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