The Fresno Chili Pepper is a fun one to follow as it grows. The immature green fruit starts out pointing upward, and has a green, grassy flavor with mild heat. As the color changes through orange to bright red, the fruit hangs down, and the flavor changes to smoky and fruity with a bit more heat than a Jalapeño. These 3" tapered peppers are large enough to stuff, and small enough to pickle. Traditionally used to liven up ceviche, but it’s okay to grill that fish instead and make tacos topped with Fresno chili sauce. Excellent for roasting on the BBQ - or even pickling.

• High yields
• Smoky, fruity flavor
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 2"-3"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 2,500-10,000/medium
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24"apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato