Chiltepin Pepper – MIg

Description

Chiltepin Pepper is a wild heirloom pepper native to the Americas and considered the ancestor of many modern chili peppers. It produces small, round fruits about 0.5–1 cm in diameter that ripen from green to bright red. Despite its tiny size, Chiltepin delivers a sharp, clean heat ranging from 50,000–100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it a favorite for hot sauces, salsas, drying, and seasoning.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in mid-July, keeping soil temperatures between 26–30°C for reliable germination.
• Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors by mid-October, once nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 18°C, avoiding the extreme summer heat.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Plant in a location that receives 6–8 hours of full sun daily. Use fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep. Germination typically takes 14–30 days in warm soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm apart, with 60–90 cm between rows to promote healthy growth and airflow.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruit development.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer at transplanting, then feed with a potassium-rich fertilizer once fruits begin to develop.
• Harvest: Harvest peppers approximately 90–110 days after transplanting when the fruits turn bright red.
• Handling: Chiltepin peppers are very hot, so wearing gloves during harvesting or preparation is recommended. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling and avoid touching your eyes or face.