Tabasco Pepper Seeds
Tabasco Pepper Seeds
The compact yet potent peppers that have propelled Tabasco sauce to worldwide fame! Developed from Mexican seeds in 1866, this robust pepper variety has maintained its esteemed reputation across the globe. Tabasco hot pepper seeds thrive in climates with consistently high temperatures. Whether harvested red or green, the color serves as an indicator of its fiery intensity - the red peppers boast a fiery punch of 40,000 Scoville Heat Units.
This fiery pepper's origins trace back to the vicinity of Tabasco, Mexico, in the 1840s before being introduced to Louisiana in 1848. It was here that Edmund McIlhenny, a native of Avery Island, Louisiana, commenced the creation of his renowned Tabasco pepper sauce in 1868, utilizing these very peppers. Since its inception, Tabasco pepper sauce has ascended to become one of the most beloved and recognizable hot sauces worldwide.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Initiate the cultivation of Tabasco hot pepper seeds by planting them indoors in peat pots approximately 8 weeks prior to the anticipated final spring frost. Sow the seeds to a depth of about 0.6 centimeters and maintain the soil temperature at 27-29 degrees Celsius until germination occurs. Ensure adequate exposure to sunlight or artificial grow lights for 12-16 hours daily. Once the outdoor temperature reaches 15-18 degrees Celsius during the day and no lower than 10 degrees Celsius at night, transplant the seedlings, spacing them 30-40 centimeters apart. Gradually expose the plants to outdoor conditions for several hours daily before transplanting to mitigate shock. Tabasco peppers also thrive in containers or raised beds.
Growing: Maintain consistent soil moisture and control weeds diligently; applying mulch around the plants can aid in weed suppression. If excessive heat and sunlight lead to wilting, provide shade to alleviate stress on the plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Harvesting hot peppers offers a spectrum of choices depending on personal taste preferences. Typically, the longer the peppers remain on the vine, the spicier they become. However, allowing peppers to fully mature signals the plant to halt further production. Picking peppers while still in the green stage encourages continued growth and fruiting. To ensure minimal damage to the delicate stems, always employ a knife or scissors when harvesting peppers.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Seed saving for Tabasco hot peppers requires attention to potential cross-pollination with other pepper varieties, necessitating isolation or caging to maintain genetic integrity. Once the peppers reach full maturity, carefully cut them open and extract the seeds. Spread the seeds out in a single layer to dry for approximately two weeks. After drying, store the Tabasco hot pepper seeds in a cool, dry location for up to two years to preserve their viability.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor
Blooming Season: Mid to Late Summer
Planting Season: Late Spring
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Capsicum frutescens/ 9, 10, 11
Sunlight Required/ Height: Full Sun/ 60-120 cm
Shelf Life After Test Date: JNB's Tabasco Hot Pepper Seeds boast a robust shelf-life post-test date, maintaining viability for up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place. Ensuring freshness beyond this period may require careful consideration of storage conditions. Regularly inspecting and properly sealing the seed packet can extend the seeds' effectiveness, allowing Canadian enthusiasts ample time to cultivate a fiery harvest of homegrown Tabasco peppers.
Can I Grow Pepper Seed Sprouts: Yes. Begin by soaking the seeds overnight to enhance germination. Plant them in a well-draining medium, maintaining warmth and moisture. As the sprouts emerge, ensure adequate sunlight or use a grow light for 14-16 hours daily. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the sprouts reach a suitable size, transplant them into larger containers or the garden. With proper care and attention, you'll soon enjoy the pleasure of homegrown Tabasco pepper sprouts.
Seed Type: Non-GMO
Soil Type: Loam Soil