Chiltepin

Chiltepin

$2.25

CHILTEPIN SEEDS

Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum

The wild pepper of the American Southwest. These plants are perennial in their native habitat and can grow into large shrubs given the opportunity. Suitable for container culture in the north, and the plants are easily overwintered indoors and planted into successively larger containers as necessary. These plants may also be grown as an annual, although the seeds can take longer to germinate and the pods longer to ripen than common peppers.

Small mostly round pods are HOT, with a sharp heat that is also mercifully fleeting. Dried, they make an exhilarating alternative to cayenne and crushed red pepper. Whole dried pods atop a bowl of ice cream is a delightful experience. Like Zimbabwe Bird, the dried pods are lovely in a small glass jar and make a fine gift.

Start these seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost, or any time really if you plan to overwinter these plants. Tuck seeds just below the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug, and mist generously with warm water. Kept consistently warm, around 85°F, in bright light these seeds will usually begin to germinate in two weeks or so. Germination can be erratic even in ideal conditions. Cool nights will delay germination significantly. Once seedlings have true leaves carefully prick them out to grow on in individual 3" pots at warm room temperature in bright light. Harden off carefully before transplanting outdoors, whether in the ground or in a large container in full to part sun.

Some growers in hot summer regions claim that these plants prefer dappled shade, and that may well be the case. In the Northeast we find bright direct morning sun to be sufficient, but all day shade is not advised. Topping potted plants is highly recommended to encourage lateral branching and higher yields. Plants brought indoors to overwinter may be pruned hard once leaves begin to drop.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.

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