80-90 Days to maturity (from transplant). Capsicum annuum. Thai Ornamental Hot Pepper Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, deer-resistant, heat-tolerant, hot pepper with hot heat levels. 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Also known as Thai Hot Ornamental Pepper or Thai Chili Pepper. Thai Ornamental Hot peppers are known for their eye-catching appearance and fiery heat. They are small, conical peppers that grow upright on compact, mounding plants, making them an attractive potted plant or border for edible landscapes. The peppers mature into a visually stunning display of red fruits. ~12,200 seeds/oz.

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Latin Name: Capsicum annuum
Hardiness Zone: 3, 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: 80-90 (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: Ornamental - These are usually used as ornamental yard or house plants and are almost all container growable. These peppers are also edible but usually range from 30,000 on the Scoville Scale and up. They are mostly grown as ornamentals. Some sweet and hot peppers are also grown as ornamentals but are grown primarily for culinary use. Example: Numex Twilight is a hot pepper but is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches
Row Spacing: 24-36 inches
Plant Height: 12-18inches
Plant Width: 12-24 inches
Plant Spread: 12-24 inches
Growth Habit: Upright
Deer Resistant: Yes
Scoville Heat Units: 50,000 to 100,000
Heat Level: Hot - 30,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville Scale. Example Cayenne & Tabasco.
Growth Speed: Mid - Ready for harvest around 76 to 90 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 deer. 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.
Thai Ornamental Hot Pepper Color: Red
Thai Ornamental Hot Pepper Flavor: Spicy and pungent.
Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container
Pepper Use: Thai and Southeast Asian Cuisine; curry, stirfry, and sauce.
Climate Tolerance: Heat

Growing Thai Ornamental Hot Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

When cultivating Thai Ornamental Hot peppers, it's important to start seeds indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be sown about 0.25 inches deep in a quality seed-starting mix and maintained at a soil temperature of 70 to 80 F. Provide them with 12-16 hours of light daily using grow lights if necessary. The seedlings should be hardened off before transplanting outdoors to reduce transplant shock. This involves gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two. These peppers thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-11 and require full sun, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8, and proper spacing of 12-18 inches to ensure good air circulation.

Throughout the growing season, Thai Ornamental Hot peppers need consistent watering, deep enough to maintain even soil moisture without becoming waterlogged. Fertilization should begin about a week after transplanting, using a balanced fertilizer and continuing with a high-potassium fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support flower and fruit production. Minimal pruning is needed, but removing yellowing or overcrowded leaves can help maintain plant health. Staking may be required to support the plants if they become heavy with fruit. Thai Ornamental Hot peppers have some resistance to deer and show good tolerance to heat, although they require regular watering during dry spells.

Harvesting Thai Ornamental Hot Peppers

Thai ornamental hot peppers are ready to harvest approximately 80-90 days after transplanting once they have reached full color. The peppers change from green to vibrant shades of red. They can be harvested at any stage, but the heat and flavor intensify as they fully mature and turn red. Look for peppers that have reached about 1 to 1.5 inches in length and are firm to the touch. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the peppers from the plant. Avoid pulling or twisting, as this can damage the plant and reduce future yields. Regularly pick ripe peppers to encourage continued fruiting. Leaving overripe peppers on the plant can slow down new production.

About Thai Ornamental Hot Pepper Garden Seeds

The variety was specifically developed for its aesthetic appeal and pungent heat. It is a popular choice among gardeners and chefs alike.

These peppers are typically small, measuring about one inch in length, and pack a spicy punch with a Scoville ranking between 50,000 to 100,000 units.

Originating from Thailand, these peppers are integral to the region's cuisine, adding authenticity and depth to traditional dishes.

Thai ornamental hot peppers are well-suited for container gardening, making them an excellent choice for urban gardeners and those with limited space. They are compact and ideal for landscapes, patios, balconies, and small garden beds.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I adore the look of these in a colorful container or flower bed. They are a perfect marriage of utility and beauty."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

Scoville Heat Scale

Thai Ornamental Hot Pepper Seeds Per Package:

1 g - Wholesale - Approximately 430 Seeds
0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 3,000 Seeds
1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 12,200 Seeds
4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 48,800 Seeds
1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 195,200 Seeds

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

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