Hot Japanese Nippon Taka Chili Pepper Seeds

Nippon Taka is a Japanese cluster-harvesting hot pepper. Heat Index: Very Hot. This hybrid variety is very uniformed and vigorous growing hot pepper, producing 10-12 fruits per cluster and more than 200 fruits per plant. Hot peppers are 6-7 cm in length and 0.8-0.9 cm in diameter and 5 grams in weight. Bright red fruits are pointing up at the branch tops and can be harvested economically at the same time. Plants are resistant to virus attacks. Easy to grow. Also a good container and decorative plant. 50 seeds per package.

Tips on How to Grow Chili Peppers

GROWING SEEDLINGS:

Sow Chili Pepper seeds in shallow flats, 4 seeds/in., 1/4" deep, in late March or about 8 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors.
If possible, maintain soil temperatures 80-90�F (27-32�C). Pepper seed germinates very slowly in cooler soil.
Well-drained, fertile soil with abundant phosphorus and calcium is best.
The use of 2" or larger cells will produce larger plants with better-developed root systems.

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 temp. 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.
Use Row Covers: Cold weather is buffered and earliness increased by using plastic mulch, especially in combination with a slotted row cover or lightweight fabric row cover supported by wire hoops.
Remove row covers when in sunny weather above 85�F (29�C) to prevent heat damage.

INSECT PESTS:

Control climbing cutworms with with paper cylinder collars.
To prevent bacterial spot and phytopthora, drip irrigate only.
Plant only in well-drained soils, minimize soil compaction.
Follow a 4-year crop rotation.
Sunscald is caused by inadequate foliage. Prevent blossom end rot with adequate soil calcium and regular moisture.
Big bushy plants with few peppers can be caused by an excess of nitrogen, hot or cold temp. Extremes during the flowering period, tarnished plant bug injury, and choice of late, poorly adapted varieties.