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Growing Cambuci Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Begin your Cambuci pepper seeds indoors, about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. If you have a particularly short growing season, start them even earlier, around 10 weeks. The ideal sowing depth for these seeds is approximately 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist and in a warm spot to encourage germination, which typically occurs in 1-2 weeks. Using a heat mat and grow lights is often necessary for proper seedling germination and growth. It can sometimes take 2-3 weeks for true leaves to develop after the cotyledons form. Do not fertilize before the first leaves develop.

Once your seedlings have sprouted and the threat of frost has passed, it's time to think about moving them outdoors. However, make sure they are hardened off first. This process involves gradually exposing the plants to outdoor conditions over 1-2 weeks to reduce shock. Use a large tray to transport the seedlings inside during cooler temperatures and outside when it is warm. Do not transplant them until temperatures are consistently above 50 F, even at night. For transplanting, choose a sunny spot in the garden with fertile, well-drained soil. It can sometimes help to choose a cloudy day for transplantation to avoid sunburn. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to give them ample room to flourish.

Cambuci peppers enjoy consistent moisture, especially during the fruiting phase, but be wary of waterlogging. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting and midseason will support their robust growth. While pruning isn't necessary, removing some of the early flowers can encourage more substantial plants. Mulching with straw or shredded bark helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

Harvesting Cambuci Peppers

Cambuci peppers typically mature and are ready for harvest 80-90 days after planting. You'll know they're ready when the peppers reach their full size and the skin has a slight sheen. Depending on the desired flavor and heat level, you can harvest them when they are green or wait until they turn red. The maturity stage at which you harvest can influence their heat level—earlier harvested green peppers tend to be milder than those allowed to turn red. To harvest, cut the peppers from the plant with a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the branches.

About Cambuci Pepper Garden Seeds

The Cambuci Hot Pepper, also known as Ubatuba Cambuci, is relatively new in the world of chilis. It was developed to provide the heat of traditional hot peppers while introducing a more complex flavor profile suitable for diverse culinary uses.

Cambuci Hot Peppers are known for their unique flavor profile, merging the heat of a habanero with the sweet, tropical undertones reminiscent of a bell pepper. The peppers can range from 4,000-6,000 Scoville Heat Units

Due to their compact growth habit, Cambuci peppers are an excellent candidate for container gardening. Ensure a large enough pot with adequate drainage and consider a support stake or cage as the plant grows and fruits develop.

Cambuci peppers are not just about heat; their unique flavor profile makes them particularly good for fresh salsas, hot sauces, and even for spicing up fruit jams and jellies.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If your peppers aren’t turning the red color indicating ripeness, but they are the proper size and shape, they may need a bit more sun to help that process along. Once they have begun the color change process, they can be harvested and continue to ripen indoors. This is a great trick to harvest the last few peppers before frost sets in!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer