Peppers

PREORDER ALERT - they arrive in a few weeks, mid November right now is my best estimate! Renee's Garden - These hard-to-find, authentic specialty peppers are from the Galicia region of Spain. Picked small, then quickly sizzled in fruity olive oil, Padron peppers make delicious traditional Spanish "Tapas" appetizers. Once you taste these savory little mouthfuls, you are guaranteed to want more! The tapered fruits begin bearing earlier than other peppers and produce in abundance over a very long harvest season.   Spanish Padrons originated from South America in the 1500's. They quickly became a staple dish throughout Spain.  Characteristics:  Renee's Garden Exclusive  Authentic Spanish starter snacks  Savory flavor  80-85 days  Approx 20-25 seeds   Instructions - In early spring, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are in the 55°F (13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 75°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, transplant 3 inches apart into deeper containers. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with a half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. When the weather is 55°F (13°C) both day and night, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 1 1/2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Peppers need full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Prepare the soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well to maintain even soil moisture. Water regularly and consistently and fertilize several times a month.  Plant In: February - March   Mature height: 2 feet  10-20 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to 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

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

Seed Savers Exchange - Prolific Italian variety prized for its gigantic sweet red fruits. Delicious 12" long peppers are excellent eaten fresh or fried. 70-90 days from transplant. Sweet.  Characteristics  Organic Huge, sweet red fruits grow to 12 inches long Excellent eaten fresh or fried Sweet pepper 70-90 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

Seed Exchange - This red bell pepper is the best variety for northern gardens where the seasons are cool and short. Full-figured, uniform fruits are excellent for stuffing or fresh eating and have a great, sweet flavor. Our stock originated from Fedco Seeds in Waterville, Maine. 70 days from transplant. Sweet. Characteristics:  Best Seller Organic Blocky, uniform fruits Great sweet flavor Excellent for stuffing or fresh eating Good variety for cool, short growing season Sweet pepper 70 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

The Living Seed Company - This Habanero-type heirloom originated from the Central African Republic.  Delicious citrus flavor and few seeds.  Golden-orange, three inch long fruits on very sturdy plants.  Grow in a pot and overwinter inside. 250,000 - 300,000 Scoville heat units. Orange fruits grow to 4 inches Excellent flavor Highly productive Heavy yields Hot Pepper: 250,000-300,000 Scoville heat units 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 - 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

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

Renee's Garden - We import this variety from Hungary where it is widely recognized for making top-quality sweet paprika. These early ripening plants produce heavy yields of slender, pointed, 4-inch crimson-red peppers. Once harvested, simply dry them and grind them into sweet paprika spice powder that offers wonderful, rich, full-bodied flavor and is an excellent source of vitamin C. You’ll be pleased with how easy and rewarding it is to grow your own.  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Rich, full-bodied paprika spice  65 seeds on avareage, .3 gram   Instructions - In early spring, start indoors about 6-8 weeks before nights stay reliably 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in the seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm at 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant them into 4-inch pots. Keep at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every week until the weather is warm enough to acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Paprika peppers need warm conditions. Don’t transplant outdoors until nights stay above 55°F (13°C). Prepare the soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots. Mulch plants to maintain even soil moisture. Keep well weeded, watered, and fertilized.  Sow seeds indoors from February-March  10-28 days to germinate Transplant outdoors in full sun from May-June  Mature Height: 2.5 - 3 feet  Transplant to Harvest: 72 days  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Seed Savers Exchange - Developed in the 1950s at the University of Wisconsin at Madison by Professor O. B. Combs. Great choice for an early maturing bell pepper. Reliable yields of thick-walled, 4-6 oz. fruits that ripen from green to red. 75-85 days from transplant. Sweet. Characteristics:  Organic Thick-walled fruits grow to 4-6 ounces Fruits ripen to red Good for short seasons Sweet pepper 75-85 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 the 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

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

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

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