Hot Pepper Seeds,
Tabasco

Start seeds indoors in bright light 8-12 weeks before the last frost date. In most regions, it’s best to plant Tabasco peppers outside in late spring, after all danger of frost has passed. These peppers thrive in USDA zones 9–11 as perennials but can be grown as annuals in cooler areas​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Begin sowing seeds indoors, placing them 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining starter mix. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, transplant them outdoors, spacing plants 14-18 inches apart. Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, and add a layer of mulch to retain soil warmth and moisture. Tabasco plants may need staking for support as they can grow quite tall​.

Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during flowering and fruiting stages. Pruning lower leaves can improve air circulation and reduce disease risk, and mulching will help retain soil moisture in hotter climates. Tabasco peppers take about 90 days to produce mature red fruits from transplant​.

• Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
• To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
• To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
• It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
• Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
• Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.