Pepper, Hot: Habanero- Red

The red habanero is known specifically for being the fruitiest of all habaneros.

At one point, the habanero held the crown as the world’s hottest chili pepper, but don’t let the fact that certain chilies have passed it by fool you into underestimating it. This is a seriously hot pepper. And unlike many of the hotter chilies, there’s quite a bit of flavor to go along with the extra-hot kick. it has a unique, citrus-like taste with a subtle hint of sweetness that makes it very popular in hot sauces, powders, and rubs. If you can handle the heat, this is a fun culinary chili to play with in the kitchen.

NON-GMO
USES- Fresh, drying
FLAVOR- Sweet, fruity
SCOVILLE HU- 100,000 - 350,000
VEG. COLOR- Red
VEG. SIZE- Medium
SEED DEPTH- 1/4"
PLANT SPACING- 12"-18"
PLANT SIZE- Medium
FROST HARDY- No
USDA ZONES- 4-11
HRS. SUNLIGHT- 8+
DAYS TO HARVEST- 100
GENUS- Capsicum chinense
LINEAGE- Heirloom
SEED COUNT- 10
GERMINATION RATE- 74% 10/23
(item #: HP-222)

Super hot peppers take longer and have a lower germination rate than other peppers. Heat does speed sprouting, but it can still take up to 30 days. We have found that soaking the seeds in hydrogen peroxide for a few hours prior to planting can help with germination rates. 

Please note that these peppers are extremely hot and should be handled with care. We highly recommend that you wear gloves when touching the seeds or fruit.

The habanero comes from the Amazonas region, and from there, it was spread through Mexico. One domesticated habanero, which was dated 8,500 years old, was found at an archaeological dig in Peru. The Yucatán Peninsula is the biggest producer of habaneros these days, but it’s grown in many South American and Central American countries, as well as the southwestern United States.