Heirloom Pepper Seeds
(Capsicum annum)
Heirloom / Open Pollinated Peppers are heat loving plants that are easy to grow, and do well in a variety of climates. Start Heirloom / Open Pollinated Pepper seeds indoors 8-10 wks before the last frost. Soaking Pepper seeds for 2-8 hrs before planting helps speed germination. Plant ¼” deep in chosen containers. Germination will occur in 8-25 days at 75-90°F. Keep soil evenly moist (not soaked) for best germination. Harden off Heirloom / Open Pollinated Pepper plants, then transplant to garden about 2-4 wks after the last frost date. Plant in full sun, spacing about 12-18″ apart, in rows 24-30″ apart. Harvest can occur when Heirloom / Open Pollinated Peppers are firm and full sized, but still green, or when mature and full color for the variety (mature peppers can deteriorate quickly so keep a careful eye at harvest time). The less green the Heirloom / Open Pollinated Pepper the sweeter the flavor. It is best to use a knife or pruning clippers when harvesting to avoid damage to plant.