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Growing Fuego Trail Hybrid Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Sow hot pepper seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date of your area using a seed starting mix (such as coconut coir), cell trays, heating mats, and grow lights. Plant the seeds a quarter inch deep and water well. Germination can take a while (up to 20 days sometimes), so be patient. Keep the soil mix moist until true leaves appear. Once the seedlings have 1-2 sets of true leaves, take away the heating mat and allow the soil to dry lightly between waterings. About 2 weeks before planting outdoors, gradually harden off the plants to avoid transplant shock.

Once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55°F, leave the seedlings outdoors for a full 24 hours (provided there is no storm, high wind, or other inclement weather) and then transplant into the garden. Prior to transplantation, amend the soil with well-rotted compost and/or fertilizer. Space the plants around 2 feet apart and water well. Apply mulch to the base of the plants to keep weeds at bay and for water retention. Avoid stem rot by not planting the plants deeper than they were originally growing. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions approximately every month. Pinch off the first 2 or 3 sets of flower buds to encourage the plant to focus on root and foliage growth. This delayed gratification will result in better yields later on.

Harvesting Fuego Trail Hybrid Peppers

Use gloves when harvesting Fuego Trail peppers. The oils can easily get on the skin and cause irritation. Harvest the peppers when they are fully red and shiny. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and leave a small portion of the stem attached to prolong the shelf life of the pepper. Refrigerate until ready for use. These peppers can also be harvested when green, but will not have as full a flavor or as high a spice level.

About Fuego Trail Hybrid Pepper Garden Seeds

As an F1 hybrid, Fuego Trail Hybrid was bred for uniformity, high yield, and consistent heat levels.

Fuego Trail Hybrid peppers are well-suited for container gardening. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter with adequate drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix, and ensure the container receives full sun for optimal growth. Regular watering and fertilization are crucial, as containers can dry out more quickly than garden beds.

Regularly remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

This variety is perfect for all sorts of culinary applications. Just keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way. Use caution when adding these to recipes unless you are very familiar with the spice level. They are typically 10x as spicy as the typical jalapeno.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"I have found that pepper plants tend to grow quite slowly when they’re young. It can feel stressful when other plants you started at the same time are getting bigger and putting out more leaves, but just trust the process and keep waiting!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer