A single Botan Kosho Chili Pepper on a white background.
Five Botan Kosho Chili Peppers arranged and stacked on a white background.
A single Botan Kosho Chili Pepper laying on its side on a white background.
Cut and whole Botan Kosho Chili Peppers with a bright red knife on a black background.
A single Botan Kosho Chili Pepper on a white background.
Five Botan Kosho Chili Peppers arranged and stacked on a white background.
A single Botan Kosho Chili Pepper laying on its side on a white background.
Cut and whole Botan Kosho Chili Peppers with a bright red knife on a black background.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Botan Kosho Chili

SKU: #HPP258Min. seed count: 15
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Regular price $4.00
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Description

(Capsicum annuum) One of Japan’s most elusive heirloom peppers, Botan kosho is a true mountain treasure from the cool, volcanic foothills of Mount Madarao in Shinshu. Named for its rounded, peony-like shape, this thick-fleshed beauty starts with a burst of sweet, juicy flavor before unfolding into a gentle, lingering heat. Grown at high altitudes for generations, it develops tenderness and balanced flavor rarely found in peppers. Sweeter in cool climates, spicier when ripened to deep red. Perfect for grilling, pickling in miso, or simmering into regional dishes like “Yatara.” Now kept alive by only a handful of dedicated growers, this is more than a pepper — it’s a piece of culinary heritage on the brink of disappearing.

Botan Kosho Chili peppers will appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest summer weather and thrive in rich, well-draining soil.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
80
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Need starting indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 70 F. This typically gives the peppers enough time to mature​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Start the seeds indoors in a well-draining seed-starting mix, keeping the soil temperature between 80-85 F for optimal germination, around 10-14 days. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they are 4-6 inches tall, spacing them about 14-18 inches apart.

How to Grow

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, especially when the plants begin to flower. These peppers can benefit from staking to support their growth as they bear fruit​.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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.

FAQ

Questions?

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