Pepper Seeds - Hot - Mushroom Red
80-95 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum chinense. Mushroom Red Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, deer resistant, hot pepper with hot heat levels. 25,000 to 35,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. A rare variety of hot pepper thought to have first originated in Jamaica. Known for both their bright red color as well as the distinctive mushroom shape that gives them their name, Mushroom Red pepper seeds are related to the more common habanero pepper. Mushroom Red hot pepper is extremely hot with a touch of sweetness. Mushroom Red hot peppers are dried and used for extra hot chili powders, but also a good choice for hot sauces. ~5000 seeds/oz.
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Growing Mushroom Red Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
It's recommended to start the seeds indoors in early spring, sowing them 0.25 deep and keeping them moist and warm until germination. Seeds typically germinate within 7 to 21 days. Once the seeds have sprouted, they can be moved into either larger pots or directly into the rich soil of a vegetable garden (with at least 24 inches of spacing between the individual plants). Before relocating the seedlings outdoors, it's crucial to harden them off to acclimate them to external conditions. Additionally, as with almost all varieties of pepper, it's important for the plants to get full sun in order to facilitate successful growth.
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistent soil moisture. However, avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Applying mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. As the plants grow, side-dress with compost or apply a liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks to support flowering and fruit development.
Harvesting Mushroom Red Peppers
Peppers start as lime green and ripen to be bright red. When mature and ready to harvest, these peppers will turn red and be 2 - 3 inches in length. As with most types of peppers, it's often best to cut the fruit from the plant using small garden shears (leaving a small amount of stem behind on the plant). It's also advisable to minimize skin contact with the peppers themselves due to the high levels of capsaicin contained in the flesh of the fruit. For fully mature peppers, harvest after 95 days.
About Mushroom Red Pepper Garden Seeds
These peppers are excellent when pickled, or dried to make spices. They also make great garnishes and additions to gourmet dishes.
Described as being very similar to Scotch Bonnet peppers in terms of both flavor and growing requirements, this cultivar is accustomed to warmer weather due to its Jamaican origins.
The thin-skinned peppers grown from these seeds are often dried and used to create extra hot chili powder but can also be a good choice for homemade hot sauces.
Mushroom Red hot peppers have a unique flattened mushroom shape with bright red skin.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"If you notice that your peppers are reaching full size but not turning red, it could be that they need more sun. If you’re growing in containers, move or rotate the container so the pepper fruit gets direct sunlight. Prune out excess foliage to allow more light into the center of the plant."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Mushroom Red Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 500 mg Packet - Approximately 88 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 5,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 20,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Mushroom Red Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Capsicum chinense |
| Pepper Type: | Hot - These peppers all have some heat and usually rank at least 100, but usually 500 or more on the Scoville scale and have heat ranging from mild to extremely hot. i> |
| Mushroom Red Pepper Color: | Red, Orange, Green |
| Mushroom Red Pepper Flavor: | Hot and spicy witha fruity undertone. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. |
| Days to Maturity: | 80-95 (from transplant) |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 12-24 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18-30 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range. |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers. |
| Pepper Pollination: | Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production. |
| Plant Width: | 18-24 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Scoville Heat Units: | 25,000-30,000 |
| Heat Level: | Hot - 30,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example Cayenne & Tabasco. |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 91 days or more from transplant. |
| Germination Temperature: | 80-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Pepper Use: | Pickling, drying, powders, flakes, stir-fry, salsa, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: |