60-85 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Organic Hot Portugal Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, deer resistant, hot pepper with medium to hot heat levels. 5,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. The Hot Portugal pepper is a captivating variety that offers both culinary versatility and a touch of vibrant color to your garden. Known for its elongated shape (6-7 inches) and bright red color when mature, this pepper is a popular choice for those who appreciate a good kick of heat without overwhelming spiciness. They are often used for drying, roasting, and stir-frying. Hot Portugal is also known to vary in its heat levels from medium to hot. ~3,970 seeds/oz.

Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Latin Name: Capsicum annuum
Hardiness Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Technically a tender perennial, but commonly grown as an annual. Perennial in zones 10 and 11.
Days to Maturity: 60-85 (from transplant)
Days to Germination: 7-10
Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch
Direct Sow: No
Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Harden off and transplant when seedlings are 6-8 inches tall. Bury the stem slightly deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting hot and sweet peppers right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate, potentially affecting the flavors of your harvested peppers.
Pepper Pollination: Peppers have perfect flowers (male and female parts) and will self-pollinate. However, wind and pollinator activity may increase success rates of fertilization and fruit production.
Pepper Type: Hot - These peppers all have some heat and usually rank at least 100, but usually 500 or more on the Scoville scale and have heat ranging from mild to extremely hot.
Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches
Row Spacing: 24-36 inches
Plant Height: 24-36 inches
Plant Width: 18-24 inches
Growth Habit: Upright
Deer Resistant: Yes
Scoville Heat Units: 5,000 to 50,000
Heat Level: Medium - 2,500 to 30,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example: Jalapeno. This variety is known to have some variability in how hot it can get. Because of this, we are also including it in the hot category. Hot - 30,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example Cayenne & Tabasco.
Growth Speed: Early - Ready for harvest around 61 to 75 days from transplant.
Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.5 pH), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting, similar to tomatoes. Peppers also need sufficient amounts of phosphorus and calcium. We recommend using a balanced fertilizer for the best results.
Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F). During high heat, foliar and flower development slow or pause until temperatures return to the preferred range.
Germination Temperature: 80-90 F
Light Preference: Full Sun
Pests and Diseases: Resistant to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Peppers are commonly susceptible to cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, bacterial spot, Phytophthora, sunscald, and blossom end rot. To avoid or reduce problems with pests and diseases, stick to a regular watering schedule (drip irrigation is preferred), plant into well-draining soils, and utilize practices such as crop rotation. When taking pest control measures, consider utilizing integrated pest management principles by using mechanical removal, biological control, and other cultural practices before turning to chemical agents.
Organic Hot Portugal Pepper Color: Red
Organic Hot Portugal Pepper Flavor: Sweet with a variable spicy kick.
Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container
Pepper Use: Salsa, salad, cooking, sauces, stews, stuffing, pickling, dried, and seasoning.
Climate Tolerance:

Growing Organic Hot Portugal Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Hot Portugal peppers require a warm start, so begin by planting your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. This early start is crucial as it allows the pepper plants to develop well before being transplanted outside. To sow the seeds, use a seed-starting mix in small pots or trays, planting the seeds about a quarter inch deep. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of around 70-85 F. We recommend utilizing a heat mat and grow lights to meet the temperature and light needs.

Expect your seeds to germinate in about 10-14 days. During this period, ensure consistent soil moisture and keep the seed trays in a warm area with plenty of light. Once seedlings emerge, it’s important to provide them with 12-16 hours of light per day, so investing in a grow light might be beneficial if natural light is insufficient.

When your seedlings have grown a few sets of true leaves and the outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 60 F, they're ready to be moved outside. However, before transplanting, it’s crucial to ‘harden off’ the plants. This involves gradually exposing the seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week to adjust them to their new environment. After this, plant them in a sunny, well-draining part of your garden. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.

Hot Portugal peppers thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Amending your garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure will provide the necessary nutrients for robust growth. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and control weed growth.

As your peppers grow, optional pruning can be beneficial. Removing some of the first flowers can encourage stronger, bushier plant growth and potentially more fruit. Regularly check for and remove any weeds, and consider using a stake or cage if the plants begin to droop under the weight of their peppers.

Companion planting can be a natural way to enhance the growth of your peppers. Planting basil, onions, or marigolds nearby can help repel pests and might even improve the flavor of the peppers. Common pests like aphids and spider mites can be managed by spraying the plants with water or using insecticidal soap as needed.

Harvesting Hot Portugal Organic Peppers

Your Hot Portugal peppers will be ready to harvest in about 65-85 days from transplanting. The peppers start green and mature to a bright red, which indicates that they are at their peak flavor and heat. Harvest the peppers by cutting them from the plants with scissors or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant.

About Organic Hot Portugal Pepper Garden Seeds

Hot Portugal is virtually indistinguishable from the Sweet Pepper Jimmy Nardello. The only difference is that Hot Portugal is spicy! If you plant them both, be sure to label them clearly!

This variable pepper is sure to keep you on your toes. They can be about as spicy as a hot jalapeno on the low end or up to as spicy as a Tabasco pepper! Unfortunately, there is no way to know until you try it. The bulk of the spice is carried in the pith and seeds. If you want to take the edge off, remove these before consuming.

As with any spicy pepper, use gloves when handling and harvesting the fruits. Never touch your eyes while handling them. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling them, even if gloves were used.

Hot Portugal peppers are particularly well-suited for container gardening. Their relatively compact growth habit makes them ideal candidates for pots and large containers, needing only about a 5-gallon pot to thrive.

They can be used fresh in salsas and salads or cooked into sauces and stews where they impart a pleasant heat. They are excellent for pickling and can also be dried for use as a seasoning. The peppers’ ability to maintain their texture and flavor when cooked makes them a favorite for culinary experiments.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you want to ripen your peppers indoors, you can, but they have to have already begun to turn red on the plant. If they are solidly green, they will likely not ripen fully once removed from the plant."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

Guide to Pepper Types

Hot Portugal Organic Pepper Seeds Per Package:

250 g - Wholesale - Approximately 35 Seeds
0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 992 Seeds
1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,970 Seeds
4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 15,880 Seeds
1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 63,520 Seeds

Non-GMO Hot Portugal Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.

Pepper Seeds - Hot - Hot Portugal

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