Hot Pepper Seeds, Chiltepin Wild Chile

Sku:
#HPP231
Minimum seed count:
10
star-filled
4.4
20 Reviews
$4.00

Description

(Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum). An iconic heirloom of the Americas. This rare chili still grows wild and is protected in 3 national parks: Big Bend National Park, Coronado National Forest, and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This small but mighty pepper is highly revered, especially among the Native American tribes of the Southwest, where it plays a role in food, history, and culture. An extremely hot little pepper, the fruits range from 10-40 times as hot as a jalapeño, making them a perfect seasoning pepper, often sun-dried and used for seasoning.

  • 90-120 days to maturity
  • 8-12 hours of full sun
  • Sprouts in 7-10 days
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Plant Spacing: 14-18"
  • Ideal Temperature: 70-95 F
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips

The Chiltepin pepper is a wild heirloom variety that thrives in warm climates. The plants prefer rich, well-drained soil with full shade; however, they also appreciate a bit of afternoon shade, especially in hot desert regions.

When to Grow

Chiltepin peppers should be started indoors 8–12 weeks before the last frost. In warmer climates, they can be transplanted outdoors once temperatures consistently stay above 65 F. Chiltepin is best suited to USDA Zones 8–11, where they may even grow as perennials if protected from frost​.

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil warm and moist to encourage germination. Transplant seedlings to an outdoor spot with partial shade, spacing plants about 14-18 inches apart. Chiltepin also grows well in containers; choose a pot that’s at least 2 gallons to give the roots room​.

How to Grow

Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging; these peppers are drought-tolerant once established. Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth, reducing nitrogen as the plant begins fruiting. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially important in hot, dry climates​.

How to Save

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

How long does it take Chiltepin peppers to mature?
Chiltepin peppers typically take 90–120 days to mature from transplanting. The peppers ripen from green to red when fully mature​.

Can Chiltepin peppers be grown indoors?
Yes, they can be grown indoors in containers with good drainage and ample sunlight, but they prefer warm temperatures and partial outdoor shade when possible​.

How spicy are Chiltepin peppers?
Chiltepin peppers are quite hot, with a Scoville rating of 50,000–100,000 Scoville Heat Units, making them several times hotter than a jalapeño​.

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Hot Pepper Seeds, Chiltepin Wild Chile
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