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Growing Dragon Grilling Hybrid Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
To get started, sow Dragon Grilling Hybrid pepper seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds .25 inches deep in a well-draining seed starting mix. Maintain a consistent soil moisture level, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged. Use a seed tray with a plastic cover or a propagator to keep humidity high and place the tray in a warm area, maintaining temperatures between 75-85 F for optimal germination.
As the seedlings grow to about 2-3 inches tall with several true leaves, begin the hardening-off process. Gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for increasing periods each day over one to two weeks. This transition helps the plants acclimate to external weather and reduces transplant shock.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors when the threat of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55 F. Choose a sunny, well-drained location, spacing the plants 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls, set the plants in, and backfill with soil, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Dragon Grilling Hybrid peppers flourish in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or aged manure. These peppers prefer consistent moisture, so water them deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
For healthy growth and abundant fruiting, fertilize the peppers regularly. Start with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during transplanting, then switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus (5-10-10) once flowering begins. Follow the package instructions for application, typically every 4-6 weeks, avoiding over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning the plants can enhance air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves and consider pinching off the initial flower buds to allow the plant to establish a stronger root system before fruiting. Staking or caging the plants can provide support, preventing them from toppling under the weight of the peppers.
Harvesting Dragon Grilling Hybrid Hot Peppers
Dragon Grilling Hybrid peppers are typically ready to harvest 75-80 days after transplanting. These peppers can be picked when green or allowed to mature to a red color, with heat intensifying as they ripen. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small stem portion attached to avoid damaging the plant.
About Dragon Grilling Hybrid Hot Pepper Garden Seeds
This hybrid variety is specifically bred for grilling, offering a unique culinary experience with its smoky, spicy profile.
As a hot pepper variety, Dragon Grilling Hybrid peppers contain capsaicin, responsible for their spicy kick. Handle with care to avoid skin irritation, especially when cutting or seeding the peppers. Their heat makes them ideal for adding a spicy note to grilled dishes, salsas, and hot sauces.
Well suited to hot and humid climates, these peppers have been a staple in Caribbean cuisine, used to add a fiery kick to dishes.
Dragon Grilling peppers rank around 75,000-150,000 Scoville, which puts them around the same spicy level as a typical habanero or Thai chili.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"If you like shishito peppers, these ones are a great new option to try. They look a lot like shishitos but are much spicier."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Dragon Grilling Hybrid Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 40 Seeds
- .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Dragon Grilling Hybrid Hot Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Capsicum annuum
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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. |
Dragon Grilling Hybrid Pepper Color: |
Green |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11. |
Days to Maturity: |
70-79 (from transplant) |
Days to Germination: |
7-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.25 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
18-24 inches |
Row Spacing: |
24-36 inches |
Plant Height: |
18-24 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: |
75,000 to 150,000 |
Heat Level: |
Extra Hot - 100,000 to 300,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Most Habaneros |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 76 to 90 days 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: |
Salsas, Sauces, Chili |