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Growing Pequin Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Begin by sowing pequin pepper seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. Plant the seeds about 0.25 inch deep in seed-starting mix, keeping the soil moist and warm to encourage germination. Heat mats are often necessary. As soon as they germinate, expose them to 12-14 hours of direct light. Grow lights are helpful. Once they have one to two sets of true leaves, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Start by placing them in a shaded area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outside and exposure to sunlight.

Once the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55 F, transplant the seedlings into the garden. Space them about 12 to 24 inches apart in well-draining soil enriched with compost. Pequin peppers prefer full sun to partial shade. Pequin peppers thrive with consistent moisture but are drought-tolerant once established due to their deep root systems. Water them deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Incorporating bone meal into the soil can provide additional calcium and phosphorus, which are beneficial for pepper plants. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Regularly remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to maintain plant health. Pruning can also encourage bushier growth and better air circulation.

Harvesting Pequin Hot Peppers

Pequin peppers are ready to harvest when they turn completely red. The harvest window is typically between 90 and 130 days after transplantation. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. This method reduces the risk of damaging the plant.​

About Pequin Hot Pepper Garden Seeds

Fresh pequin peppers can be used immediately or dried for later use. To dry, string them up in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight until they are completely dehydrated.

These peppers have been cultivated for centuries and were highly valued by indigenous peoples, including the Aztecs, who used them for culinary and medicinal purposes.

The name "pequin" is derived from the Spanish word "pequeño," meaning small, referring to the small size of the fruit.

Interestingly, birds are attracted to pequin peppers and can consume them without being affected by the heat, as they lack the receptors for capsaicin.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Pequin peppers are versatile in the kitchen. They can be used fresh in salsas, soups, and stews or dried and ground into chili powder. They are also popular in hot sauces and pickling."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer