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Growing Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Peppers in the Vegetable Garden
Begin by sowing Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Hot Pepper seeds indoors approximately 8-10 weeks before the last anticipated frost date in your region. Plant the seeds about .25 inch deep in seed-starting trays filled with a high-quality, sterile seed-starting mix. Maintaining a consistent temperature between 70-80 F is crucial for successful germination, which usually occurs within 1-2 weeks.
During the indoor growth phase, ensure the seedlings receive adequate light, either from a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This indoor phase allows the seedlings to develop strong roots and sturdy stems, preparing them for the challenges of outdoor growth.
Hardening off is essential to acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions. About two weeks before you plan to transplant them, start placing the seedlings outside for a few hours each day. Gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures, starting with a couple of hours in a shaded area and progressively moving to full sun. This process helps the plants adjust to the external environment and reduces the risk of transplant shock.
Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60 F, it is time to transplant your seedlings into the garden. Select a site with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of the seedlings, place them in the holes, and backfill with soil. Gently firm the soil around the plants and water thoroughly. At the time of planting, mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil.
Regular watering is crucial for the health and productivity of Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Hot Peppers. Maintain even soil moisture, being careful not to let the soil become waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. It is best to water the plants at the base to keep the foliage dry and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Once the plants are established and begin to flower, switch to a fertilizer high in potassium to support fruit development. Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Hot Peppers can be prone to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pest activity.
Harvesting Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Peppers
These peppers are typically ready for harvest around 85 days after transplanting. Look for a deep red color and firm texture as indicators of ripeness. To harvest, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small stem attached. This method helps prevent damage to the plant and encourages further fruit production.
About Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Pepper Garden Seeds
A popular recipe is a Cienfuegos Red Pepper Salsa. To make this, combine chopped Cienfuegos peppers with tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend to your desired consistency and enjoy with chips or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats.
Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Hot Peppers hail from the rich tradition of South American peppers. Their name means “One-hundred fires” in Spanish.
Its fruits are 2 inches by 1 inch. These bright carmen red colored fruits range from 300,000 to 400,000 on the Scoville scale.
For container gardening: Ensure the container receives full sun and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"If your peppers aren’t turning red as fast as you think they should, they could need to get more sun. If possible, lightly prune the plant to expose the fruit. Or, if grown in containers, move the plant to get better sun exposure."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Pepper Seeds Per Package:
- 300 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 40 Seeds
- .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Capsicum chinense
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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.. |
Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Pepper Color: |
Red |
Cienfuegos Red Hybrid Pepper Flavor: |
Intense heat with a hint of fruitiness. |
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: |
80-89 (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: |
300,000 to 400,000 |
Heat Level: |
Extremely Hot - Over 300,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Some Habaneros, Ghost, Scorpion Butch T, Carolina Reaper. |
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 |
Pepper Use: |
Salsa or hot sauce |
Climate Tolerance: |
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