Hot Pepper Seeds,
Brazilian Starfish

Brazilian Starfish peppers thrive in warm temperatures and should be started indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost. Once all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 55 to 60 F, the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors; black plastic mulch or a row cover helps where nights stay cool. These plants do best in tropical and subtropical climates but can also adapt to other zones if given an early start. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Start by sowing seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. The seeds will germinate in 10-14 days, and it’s best if the temperature is 80-85 F during this time. When transplanting, space the seedlings 14-18 inches apart to give them enough room​ to grow.

Brazilian Starfish peppers require full sun, ideally 8-12 hours daily. The soil should be enriched with organic compost for fertility and have excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Water the plants consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can apply a balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks to support healthy growth, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers 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.