Chinese Five Color Hot Peppers in various shades on a white background.
Hot Pepper Seeds, Chinese 5 Color
Chinese Five Color Pepper bouquet in varying colors.
Chinese Five Color Pepper ring on light background.
Chinese Five Color Pepper growing in garden.
Chinese Five Color Pepper assortment and slices on marbled countertop.
Chinese Five Color Pepper assortment with foliage on wooden tabletop.
Chinese Five Color Hot Peppers in various shades on a white background.
Hot Pepper Seeds, Chinese 5 Color
Chinese Five Color Pepper bouquet in varying colors.
Chinese Five Color Pepper ring on light background.
Chinese Five Color Pepper growing in garden.
Chinese Five Color Pepper assortment and slices on marbled countertop.
Chinese Five Color Pepper assortment with foliage on wooden tabletop.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Chinese 5 Color

4.577 ReviewsSKU: #HPP121
Price
Regular price $3.25
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.25
Save $-3.25
/

Min. 25 seeds

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

(Capsicum annuum) Screaming-hot little peppers turn a rainbow of vibrant colors, from purple, cream, yellow, and orange to red as they ripen. Need we say ornamental? The plants are great for containers. Just pick a few any time to liven up your salsa.

Growing Tips: The Chinese 5 Color pepper is a beautiful heirloom variety that grows well in containers or garden beds, reaching 1–2 feet tall. The plant thrives in rich, well-drained soil and full sunlight, with regular watering. Using a heat mat during germination, especially indoors, can improve the process.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
75–85
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8–12 weeks before the last frost date in spring. This early start helps establish healthy seedlings before transplanting them outside when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 65 F. The plants are annuals in colder zones but can be perennial in USDA Zones 9-11​. 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

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix, maintaining soil temperatures between 80-85 F for better germination, which takes 7–10 days. Once the last frost has passed, transplant seedlings to a sunny outdoor spot, spacing them 14–18 inches apart. Chinese 5 Color peppers are well-suited to containers, where they can be easily moved to protect them from unexpected cold spells​.

How to Grow

Chinese 5 Color peppers need full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water the plants consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to support flowering and fruiting.

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

How hot are Chinese 5 Color peppers?

These peppers are moderately hot, with a Scoville rating of 30,000–50,000 Scoville Heat Units, similar to cayenne peppers.

How do I make my Chinese 5 Color peppers to produce more fruit?

Frequent harvesting can stimulate more blooms and pepper production. Additionally, feeding the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks helps maintain vigorous growth and fruiting.

How can I use Chinese 5 Color peppers?

Chinese 5 Color peppers can be used fresh in salsas, pickled, or dried to create colorful pepper flakes or powder. Their bright colors also make them a popular choice for decorative dishes.

Browse our full range of pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 77 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Five colors at once: Peppers go purple to cream, yellow, orange and red on one plant.

  • Hundreds per plant: Covered in fruit from early season until frost.

  • Compact bush: Stays around two feet; happy in pots and small gardens.

  • Hotter as it ripens: Purple pods have a kick; one pepper can flavor a whole dish.

  • Heads up: Flavor is mostly heat; plants and color changes can be slow to start.

More to grow!
See all Pepper Seeds