- Description
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Details
Yep, this is THAT pepper used to make that very famous mother of all hot sauces,
The tabasco pepper is a variety of chili pepper species Capsicum frutescens, like the Naga Jolokia. It is one of the most well known peppers next to the jalapeño. At 50.000 to 80,000 units on the Scoville Scale of heat levels, that’s a lot of firepower.
Tabasco peppers are an American legend. Originally from Costa Rica they are the most well known type of Capsicum frutescens. These fiery little jewels are the primary ingredient in tabasco sauce, the famous hot sauce that has been produced in southern Louisiana since 1848 when the peppers were first imported from the State of Tabasco in Mexico.
This Greenleaf strain of tabasco was originally developed by Auburn University in Alabama USA. It has been bred to be resistant to tobacco etch virus (TEV).
The tabasco plant can grow 120 to 180cm tall (4 to 6ft) tall. Very prolific, they produce up to 100 pods per plant. The slender fruits grow upright and are 3 to 4cm (1 to 1½in) long. They mature from yellow to orange to red approximately 75 days after transplanting.
Storage of Seeds:
Store seeds away from children, sealed in their packaging in a cool, dry, dark place, or in a fridge. Never store them in a freezer as the sudden temperature drop is likely to kill them. Don't leave the seeds in direct sunlight as the heat generated may kill them.
Sowing: Sow from mid February to mid June
The temperature, moisture, and air circulation all play a role in growing plants from seeds. Too little heat, too much moisture, and lack of air circulation will cause poor results. Do not use jiffy peat pots, plugs, or potting soil as the soil becomes too dry or too wet, which can lead to low germination, disease and fungus.
Fill small cells or trays with a good sterile seed compost and sow the seeds on the surface. “Just cover” with a fine sprinkling (3mm) of soil or vermiculite.
Keep the compost moist - don't let the top of the compost dry out (a common cause of germination failure) If you wish, spray the surface with a dilute copper-based fungicide.
Cover the pot or tray with plastic film or place in a heated propagator, south facing window or a warm greenhouse.
The ideal temperature is around 18 to 20°C (65 to 72°F)
Transplanting:
When the seedlings have produced their first pair of true leaves they can be potted on into individual 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) pots. Use good quality potting compost and mix in some organic slow release fertiliser. Pot the chilli on again before it becomes root-bound.
Water the seedlings regularly, but don't let them become waterlogged as this encourages rot. Don't let them dry out as they rarely recover at this stage. Water the soil, not the foliage. Once the plants have established, it is better to water heavy and infrequently, allow the top inch or so to dry out in between watering.
Seedlings should be grown in good light, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight from late spring to early autumn. Weaker sunlight from autumn to spring is unlikely to do them harm. Once seedlings have put on some growth they need lots of light. Growing them under a grow-light produces excellent stocky plants, as will a warm sunny windowsill. Adult chilli plants need lots of light. However, more than 4 hours or so in hot direct sunlight will dry them out quickly.
Acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 2 to 3 weeks before they are moved permanently outside. Plant them into rich moist soil. Flower do not form and fruit will not set if the temperature is much below 17°C (62°F) for most of the day, so wait until June/July for best results with outdoor planting.
Fertilising:
After the first flowers appear, feed every one or two weeks with a half-strength liquid tomato feed. You could also add Seaweed extract to the water once a week.
Pollinating Flowers: (optional)
Chilli plants are self fertile and will generally pollinate themselves. However, if you want to give them a helping hand to ensure that lots of fruit are set indoors, use a cotton wool bud to gently sweep the inside of the flowers, spreading the pollen as you go. The flower's petals will drop off as the green middle part of the flower starts to swell slightly. This is the chilli pepper beginning to grow.
Harvesting: Harvest in 90 to 110 days
Chillies will take a few weeks to develop and a further couple weeks to turn from green to red. Harvest any time after they are fully developed. Use scissors to snip the fruits so you don't damage the plant.
Storage:
After being roasted and peeled, Poblanos can be preserved by either canning or freezing. Storing poblanos in airtight containers will suffice for several months.
WARNING:
Be careful handling chilli seeds as they can cause a painful burning sensation: Avoid contact with the eyes or any sensitive skin before washing your hands thoroughly.
- Additional Information
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Additional Information
Packet Size 30 Seeds Common Name Hot: 50,000 to 80,000 SHU.
Greenleaf Strain.Other Common Names Capsicum. Chili, Chile or Chilli. Hot Pepper Family Solanaceae Genus Capsicum Species frutescens Cultivar Tabasco. Greenleaf strain Hardiness Tender Perennial often used as an Annual Fruit 3 to 4cm (1 to 1½in) long, maturing from yellow to orange to red Height 120 to 180cm tall (4 to 6ft) Position Grown in good light, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight Soil Rich moist soil. Time to Sow Sow from mid February to mid June Time to Harvest 75 days from transplant