Hot Pepper Seeds,
Purple Perfume (Cheiro Roxa)

Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost, as this pepper variety has quite a long growing season. Transplant outdoors only after all risk of frost has passed, and temperatures don’t drop below 65 F.. In cooler areas, an indoor start is especially important for the plants to reach maturity, while in warmer regions, transplanting in late spring can work well. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a seed-starting mix and keep the soil at a temperature of 80-85 F during germination. Using a heat mat can help with this. Gradually harden the seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting, and space the plants 14-18 inches apart.

Water once or twice a week, adjusting based on conditions. Try to water at the base to keep foliage dry, reducing the risk of disease. Fertilize with a balanced formula at transplanting, then switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer once the plants start flowering to encourage fruiting.

• 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.