Hot Pepper Seeds,
Santa Fe Grande

Start Santa Fe Grande seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

To sow seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. These peppers germinate best in soil temperatures of 80-85 F. Place seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny window to make sure they receive enough light. Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Space plants 14-18 inches apart in the garden, or plant them in individual containers if desired.

Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize at planting time with a balanced fertilizer, and switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer during flowering to support fruit production. These plants are compact, so they generally don’t require staking, though a light support structure can help as they begin to bear fruit.

• 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.