Close up of single Rezha Macedonian Hot Pepper on a white background.
Rezha Macedonian Peppers with slices on light background.
Rezha Macedonian Pepper curled on light blue background.
Rezha Macedonian Peppers, sliced exposing ribs and seeds.
Close up of single Rezha Macedonian Hot Pepper on a white background.
Rezha Macedonian Peppers with slices on light background.
Rezha Macedonian Pepper curled on light blue background.
Rezha Macedonian Peppers, sliced exposing ribs and seeds.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Rezha Macedonian

4.427 ReviewsSKU: #HPP197
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
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Min. 15 seeds

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Description

(Capsicum annuum). The name means "engraved." Another local name, Vezeni Piperki, means "embroidered." Both names refer to the curious lines on the skins of the tapering, long, thin peppers. The fruit, which ranges from mild to sometimes very pungent, is to be seen hanging in great clusters, drying in the North Macedonian warm late autumn sun. This is an old traditional variety grown almost exclusively in small villages and not on a large scale. Our foundation seed was donated by school children from the villages of Kalugeritsa and Zleovo.

Growing Tips: For the best results, grow this pepper in warm temperatures, full sun, rich, well-draining soil, and moderate moisture. To improve germination, which can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, use a heat mat to maintain a steady soil temperature of around 80–85 F.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
80
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start Rezha Macedonian seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures consistently stay above 65 F, you can transplant them outdoors. Check your local area’s frost dates to confirm the best planting dates. 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

To start, sow Rezha seeds about 1/4 inch deep in small pots or seed-starting trays filled with seed-starting mix. The ideal temperature for optimal germination is 80-85 F. Place the seedlings in a sunny window or under grow lights. Before transplanting, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. When planting in the garden, space the peppers 18-24 inches apart.

How to Grow

Water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Applying a balanced fertilizer at planting, followed by a low-nitrogen fertilizer during flowering, can improve both plant growth and fruit development. Because of their compact nature, these peppers typically don’t need staking; however, some light support may be beneficial as the peppers mature and increase in weight.

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 should I cook Rezha Macedonian Peppers?

These peppers are perfect for drying and grinding into chili powder due to their robust heat and unique flavor. They're also used fresh in salsas, sauces, and pickling, or as a spicy accent in cooked dishes.

How can I tell when Rezha Macedonian Peppers are ready to harvest?

They are usually ready to harvest when they reach a deep red color, indicating full maturity. The engraved striations are a trait of the variety and show at every stage, so judge ripeness by color; skin left to wrinkle on the plant has already begun drying.

Can I grow Rezha Macedonian Peppers in containers?

Yes, they grow well in containers. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep to support full growth.

Browse our full range of pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 27 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet, smoky heat: Often quite hot, with fruity sweetness; roast, dry or grind.

  • Unmistakable look: Thread-cracked skin unlike any other pepper; a conversation piece.

  • Heavy producer: Tall, sturdy plants set long 8 to 12 inch pods all season.

  • Likes it hot: Grows well in hot southern summers and in containers.

  • Heads up: Thick skin is best cooked or dried; stake the heavy plants.

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