Hot Pepper Chiltepin 10 seeds TessGruun

The Tepin or Chiltepin pepper is one of the oldest known varieties which still grows wild in Mexico and the original wild chilli parenting almost all of todays domesticated chillies. The small round ½" very hot fruits are produced in abundance maturing to a vivid red and resembling light on a Xmas tree. The heat is intense, considered "arrebatado" which means "rapid" or "violent" because the intense heat is not long lasting, unlike many chile peppers that have a slower and more enduring effect. The plants are strong growers but will become tall and spindly if not pinching out to encourage a bush structure. The variety is one of the hardest to germinate as it usually passes through a Birds digestive system first and cultivating takes considerable time. Do not expect high germination rates, although the higher the soil temperature achieved the better the success rate. It will potentially crop lightly in the first year but is always best over-wintered in a warm frost free environment if possible, upon which the crop in the second year will be tremendous. This variety is best for the experienced growers only and requires patience. Capsicum annuum. Days to Germination: 10-21 Optimum Soil Temp. for Germination: 65 to 70F Days To Harvest: days Planting Depth: 1/8 inch Spacing, Seed: 1 inches Spacing, Plant: 15-20 inches Light: Full Sun, Warm location, Greenhouse, Conservatory Sow seeds 1/4" deep in 3inch pots with quality seed compost. Keep moist. Seedlings emerge in 10-21 days at 65-70degrees F. Transplant to individual containers when seedlings have at least two pairs of leaves. When 4-5 inches plant 15-20" apart in greenhouse / conservatory with root ball 1/2" below the soil surface. Keep moist and feed when flowering with tomato type fertiliser. Harvest when fruits have reached full-size and full colour.