Peppers

High Mowing Organic Seeds - Deep orange color with a rich sweet pepper flavor. The orange Picnic Pepper is sweet tasting and has a lovely warm color. Selected for thick walls, flavor, strong yields, and an upright plant habit. From our own High Mowing breeding work. Note that this pepper produces very few seeds, making it great to eat but a bit difficult to get a ton of seeds. A home gardener can quickly increase their stock. It is open-pollinated so seed saving is very easy to do.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  3-5" fruits Bred by High Mowing  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

Arrives 8/15 or so with new 2026 Seedstock. 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 - This absolutely stunning purple bell pepper has a tender, crisp texture and low-key, sweet flavor. The large, four-lobed, thick-walled fruits remain purple for some time before ripening to a radiant purple-red and are borne on sturdy, compact plants. 70-75 days from transplant. Sweet Characteristics:  Mild sweet flavor Holds purple color well Sweet pepper 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 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 - Highly productive when grown at Heritage Farm, 'Ram's Horn’ pepper matures mid-season. This variety is originally from Emily Eidson of South Carolina, whose family grew these.  These are very close to the variety Ole Pepperpot.  Organic Italian-style thin skin frying pepper Red fruits grow to 5-8 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 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 - Rare variety from SSE member Virgil T. Ainsworth of Laurel, Mississippi. Grown in his family for more than 100 years. Two-inch long, tapered, fire engine red peppers borne erect on 2' plants. Traditionally used to make Rooster Pepper Sausage. Also excellent dried and ground for chili powder. Ideal for container growing. 95 days from transplant. Hot. Characteristics  Organic Tapered fruits grow to 2 inches Plants grow to 2 feet Excellent dried and ground for chili powder Hot pepper 95 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 Serrano Pepper was cultivated in Mexico of the Sierras.  Serrano means "of the mountain" in Spanish and was first mentioned by Spanish in explorers in the 16th century.  Attractive 4 ft. plants with pendant, thin-walled fruit (½ x 2¼ in.). Flavorful pepper, ideal for chili, salsa, hot pepper vinegar, and pickling. Very hot whether green or red. Dries easily. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Plants can get 4' tall Thin 2.25" fruits 75 days for green peppers, longer to ripe to red-orange .2 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

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 - Compact, bushy plants produce an abundance of 3.5-4"" wrinkled fruits over an extended period. When eaten in the green stage, as is traditional in Japan, peppers are incredibly crunchy with just a hint of heat. When red, the fruits are sweet and slightly hotter but not as crunchy. Perfect for frying, this Japanese heirloom’s fruits are usually mild, but an occasional pepper (about one in 10) is hot. Kitazawa Seed Company played an instrumental role in introducing ‘Shishito’ to the United States seed trade; Seed Savers Exchange acquired the variety in the 1980s from the Urban Farmerseed company of Convent Station, N.J. 80 days from transplant. Sweet with an occasional hot pepper. Organic.  Characteristics  Organic Japanese heirloom is highly productive Fruits grow to 3.5 to 4 inches Very crunchy when green, slightly hotter when ripe Sweet with occasional hot pepper New for 2021 From the Collection 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

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

Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Choco) Early bell pepper was bred by Elwyn Meader and introduced by the University of New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station in 1965. Ripens from green to chocolate on the outside and brick red inside. Thick sweet flesh. Great for gardeners in short-season areas. 60-85 days from transplant. Sweet. Characteristics  Organic Fruits ripen from green to chocolate with a brick red interior Thick sweet flesh Great for gardeners in short-season areas 60-85 days from transplant Sweet 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

Out of Stock for the season - Seed Exchange - (C. frutescens) Small peppers, big attitude! Mounded 8" plants covered with ½" tabasco-type fruits ripening from green to a rich deep red. Averages 200 fruits per plant. If picked clean, a colorful second crop will set just in time for your holiday decorations. Perfect for container growing. 85 days from transplant. Hot. Tabasco-type fruits grow to ½ inch Very productive Good for container growing Hot pepper 85 days from transplant 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 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 - Introduced to SSE in 1979 by SSE member Mike Cannon of New York. Sweet Italian variety was given to him by Phil Tolli. Large, dependable yields of 5" long scarlet-red peppers. This is one of our all-around favorites for fresh eating, frying, and canning recipes. Great added to tomato sauces. 75-85 days from transplant. Sweet.  Characteristics  Organic Scarlet fruits grow to 5 inches long Great for fresh eating, frying, and canning Productive Sweet pepper 75-85 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

Seed Exchange - Wejn's Yellow Hot Pepper, Three-inch long wax peppers with thick walls, ripen from yellow to bright orange then red. Grown by the late Eris Wenk, one of the last large truck farmers in Albuquerque’s South Valley. A great variety for canning and pickling. 80 days from transplant Organic Waxy fruits ripen from yellow to red Medium hot pepper Fruits grow to 3 inches Great for canning and pickling 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 - 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