Red Manzano Chili Pepper Seeds (Capsicum pubescens)

Product Introduction

Red Manzano Chili Pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is a unique and rare pepper variety known for its bright red, apple-shaped fruits and distinctive black seeds. Unlike most chili peppers, Manzano thrives in cooler climates and has a thick, juicy flesh with a heat level similar to a habanero. It is a long-lived, vigorous plant that can grow as a small shrub, producing flavorful, spicy peppers ideal for salsas, sauces, and cooking.

Why Choose Red Manzano Chili Pepper?

• Distinctive apple-shaped peppers with vibrant red color.
• Thick, juicy flesh with a spicy, fruity flavor.
• Tolerates cooler temperatures better than most chili varieties.
• Long-lived perennial in warm climates, producing for multiple seasons.
• Perfect for fresh use, salsas, sauces, and drying.

How to Grow and Care for Red Manzano Chili Pepper

Seed Sowing & Germination

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost for best germination.
• Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
• Maintain a temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimal germination.
• Germination can take 3-4 weeks, as Manzano seeds require warmth and patience.

Transplanting & Growth

• Once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or garden beds.
• Space plants 24-36 inches apart to allow room for bushy growth.
• Prefers rich, well-draining soil with organic matter.

Maintenance & Care

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during growth.
• Support: Provide stakes or trellises as plants develop a vine-like growth habit.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production.

Benefits of Growing Red Manzano Chili Pepper

• Thrives in cooler temperatures, unlike most chili varieties.
• Produces flavorful, spicy fruits with a fruity undertone.
• Can grow as a perennial in warm climates, offering multiple harvests.
• Highly resistant to pests and diseases compared to other peppers.

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Capsicum pubescens
• Common Name: Red Manzano Chili Pepper
• Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates, annual in colder regions
• Fruit Color: Bright red
• Heat Level: Hot (30,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units)
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
• Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
• Growth Habit: Bushy with vine-like tendencies
• Height & Spread: Grows 3-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-11 (can be grown as an annual in cooler zones)