Caspsicum annuum
Heirloom
Originated in Hungary. These paprikas grow upward and out through foliage; starting out ivory-white, then orange and finally into a beautiful mature red, perfect for making homemade paprika powder. Dry them by hanging or in a dehydrator and then crush and grind them with mortar and pestle or food processor. They are also good eaten fresh, with a mildly pungent, sweet flavor. Compact plants.
20 seeds
PLANTING
Germination: 10-14 days
Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 75-85 degrees F. Cooler soil temperatures increase germination time.
Seed Sowing Depth: ¼” deep
Starting Indoors: 8-10 weeks before last frost. Sow in flats/cells/pots. Provide 75-85 degrees F soil temperatures. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer (diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement). Transplant seedlings 18-20” apart after last frost.
How much does a packet plant: 20-25 foot single row
Harvest: Using a sharp instrument to cut the peppers from the plant. Pick the first fruits when they reach usable size, this helps accelerate the growth of the other peppers on the plant. Leave some on to mature, to color and sweeten up.
Tips: Pinch off early flowers or tiny fruit on any seedlings before placing them in the ground. Plant in fertile, well composted soil. It helps to use row cover early in the season giving the plants extra warmth, especially in the north. Side dress when flowers begin to form.
