Days to Maturity

80-100 Days

Heat Level

Very Hot

Origin

Capsicum chinense originates from Brazil and has been domesticated since 2000-1000 B.C. The orange habanero variety is believed to have originated in the Yucutan. It is grown commercially in some areas.

Germination Info

Start seeds in small containers from 8-10 weeks prior to the last frost date. Plant seeds approximately 1/4-1/2" deep in moist, well drained potting soil. Most standard soil mixes are suitable for pepper seeds. Soil temperature must be kept at 75-90F for proper germination. Cool soil, particularly at night can inhibit or significantly delay germination. To keep soil temperature warm, start seeds indoors, in a greenhouse and/or use a seed starting heat mat. Keep soil moderately moist, though not overly, dripping wet. Water soil when the soil surface just begins to dry. Allow proper air circulation for containers.

Optionally, seeds can be dipped in a dilute hydrogen peroxide mix (1 tsp hydrogen perioxide per cup water) for one minute to disinfect seeds prior to planting. If your soil or seed setup is susceptible to mold growth this can be useful to kill mold spores.

Once seedlings have sprouted, keep in small containers until a few sets of leaves have developed. Transplant to larger containers or outdoors. If transplanting outdoors, make sure to harden off seedlings by exposing them to only filtered sunlight for up to 1-2 weeks. Thin plants to 3-4 ft and rows to 6-10 ft.

Estimated germination time under optimal conditions: 2-10 weeks

Related Species

Solanaceae - Peppers
	Anaheim Pepper Capsicum annuum		Chinese Five Color Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Cubanelle Pepper Capsicum annuum		de Arbol Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Fish Pepper Capsicum annuum		Fresno Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Fushimi Pepper Capsicum annuum		Goat Horn Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Goat's Weed Pepper Capsicum annuum		Golden Cayenne Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Golden Marconi Pepper Capsicum annuum		Guajillo Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Hawaiian Sweet Hot Pepper Capsicum annuum		Hot Banana Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Indian PC-1 Pepper Capsicum annuum		Jalapeno Early Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Japanese Pepper Capsicum annuum		Jimmy Nardello Frying Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Kung Pao Pepper Capsicum annuum		Marbles Pepper Capsicum annuum
	New Mexico Pepper Capsicum annuum		NuMex Twilight Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Orange Habanero Pepper Capsicum annuum		Orange Thai Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Pepperoncini Pepper Capsicum annuum		Pequin Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Peter Pepper Capsicum annuum		Red Mushroom Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Santa Fe Grande Pepper Capsicum annuum		Tabasco Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Thai Dragon Pepper Capsicum annuum		Zimbabwe Bird Pepper Capsicum annuum
	Pimenta de Neyde Pepper Capsicum annuum x chinense		Aji Habanero Pepper Capsicum baccatum
	Aji Omnicolor Pepper Capsicum baccatum		Aji Pineapple Pepper Capsicum baccatum
	Peanut Pepper Capsicum baccatum		Rain Forest Pepper Capsicum baccatum
	7 Pot Pepper Capsicum chinense		Aji Dulce 1 Pepper Capsicum chinense
	Aji Dulce Yellow Pepper Capsicum chinense		Aji Yuquitania Pepper Capsicum chinense
	Bhut Jolokia Pepper Capsicum chinense		Condor's Beak Pepper Capsicum chinense
	Devil's Tongue Pepper Capsicum chinense		Grenada Seasoning Pepper Capsicum chinense
	Harold's St. Barts Pepper Capsicum chinense		Paper Lantern Habanero Pepper Capsicum chinense
	Red Habanero Pepper Capsicum chinense		Rocotillo Pepper Capsicum chinense
	Sweet Datil Pepper Capsicum chinense		Trindad Scorpion Pepper Capsicum chinense