Ornamental Pepper Seeds

Chilly-Chili Ornamental Pepper Seeds
These delicate colorful peppers add a delightful twist to your garden.
More >>

How To Grow Ornamental Pepper-Chilly Chili From Seeds

The first family-friendly ornamental pepper with exceptional garden performance. 'Chilly Chili,' as the name implies, has non-pungent fruit. The "heat" was bred out of the peppers, which is perfect for households with children who like to explore their environment. The fruit changes color from yellow to orange and matures at red. Extremely heat tolerant, 'Chilly Chili' will provide garden color during southern summers. Pepper plants can grow about a foot tall and spread 6-10 inches. The petite 2 inch peppers can be used as clever ornamental garnishes on salads or with ethnic entrees.

Well-drained, fertile soil with abundant phosphorus and calcium is best.

GROWING SEEDLINGS:

Sow seed in shallow flats, 4 seeds/in., 1/4" deep, in late March or about 8 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors.
Maintain soil temperatures 80-90�F (27-32�C).
Pepper seed germinates very slowly in cooler soil.
When the first true leaves just show, transplant 2-3" apart in flats or 2" cell-type containers. (The use of 2" or larger cells will produce larger plants with better-developed root systems.)
Grow plants at approx. 70�F (21�C) day and 60�F (16�C) nights.

COLD TREATMENT:

Exposing the seedlings to controlled cold treatments can increase the number of flowers and fruits.
When the third true leaf appears, grow the plants at a minimum night temp. of 53-55�F (12-13�C) for 4 weeks.
The plants should receive full sunlight. After 4 weeks adjust temperature to 70�F (21�C) day and night.
If this technique is used, peppers should be seeded 1-2 weeks earlier than usual.

TRANSPLANTING:

Transplant out after frost when the soil is warm and weather is settled.
Ideal seedlings have buds, but no open flowers. Set plants 12-18" apart in rows 24-36" apart, or 2 rows on poly/paper mulch, 18" between plants.
Water-in transplants using a high phosphorus solution.