Lemon Drop Hot Peppers on a white background.
Single Lemon Drop Pepper on gray backdrop.
Lemon Drop Pepper with jelly and hard candies.
Lemon Drop Pepper held out in Baker Creek Village.
Five Lemon Drop Peppers with leaves on marble countertop.
Lemon Drop Hot Peppers on a white background.
Single Lemon Drop Pepper on gray backdrop.
Lemon Drop Pepper with jelly and hard candies.
Lemon Drop Pepper held out in Baker Creek Village.
Five Lemon Drop Peppers with leaves on marble countertop.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Lemon Drop

4.296 ReviewsSKU: #HPP172
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
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Min. 25 seeds

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Description

(Capsicum baccatum). Seasoning pepper from Peru ripens to a clear lemon yellow, sometimes with a dark purple blush. The flavor is a very clean, uncomplicated, slightly citrusy heat. Great for jellies and preserves. 2-foot plants are covered with the thin-walled, conical fruit which reaches 2 to 3 inches in length, with very few seeds.

Growing Tips: The Lemon Drop pepper grows best in full sun and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Using a heat mat can help warm up the soil and speed germination, as the seeds can be a bit challenging to germinate. However, once established they will flourish in most gardens with little fussing.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum baccatum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
100
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 final frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors once temperatures stay above 65 F and all danger of frost has passed. This pepper does well in USDA Zones 5–11, producing an abundant harvest in warmer growing seasons​. 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 and keep the soil evenly moist. When seedlings are 3–4 inches tall, transplant them into garden beds or containers, spacing them 14-18 inches apart. Lemon Drop peppers adapt well to containers as long as they have at least 3 gallons of soil and receive full sunlight​.

How to Grow

Make sure that the plants receive 8-12 hours of full sun daily. Water consistently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between watering to avoid root rot. Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, reducing nitrogen as the plant starts to flower. These peppers may need staking due to their tall, productive branches​.

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 long does it take Lemon Drop peppers to mature?

Lemon Drop peppers typically mature in approximately 100 days from transplanting, producing bright yellow, tapered fruits when fully ripe.

How can I cook Lemon Drop peppers?

Lemon Drop peppers are excellent in salsas, hot sauces, and marinades, where their citrusy heat complements fish, chicken, and vegetable dishes. They can also be dried and ground into a unique, tangy seasoning.

How should I store Lemon Drop peppers after harvesting?

For short-term storage, keep fresh peppers in a refrigerator crisper drawer for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen whole or sliced for long-term storage.

Browse our full range of pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 96 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heads up: Slow to germinate and ripen; start early on a heat mat.

  • Hundreds of peppers: Once it takes off, it bears heavily until frost.

  • Citrus with real heat: Bright lemony flavor with serious heat; good for hot sauce.

  • Wide, heavy plants: Reach 3 feet and sprawl; branches need staking under the load.

  • Bears into early winter: Keeps fruiting past light frosts; some overwinter it indoors.

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