Cold Hardy Chili Pepper Seeds - Capsicum Flexuosum, aka February Fire
Quantity: 10 Seeds
Species: Capsicum Flexuosum
Scovilles: 30,000 - 50,000
Capsicum Flexuosum is a fantastic wild pepper variety, and also my favourite pepper. It seems to be mostly unknown, as there’s very little information gathered about it to date; however, I have personally done some very heavy documenting and research. It's been confirmed to withstand frigid temperatures unlike any other member of the capsicum genus. Even C. Pubescens is said to be tolerant of 0°C to 1°C, but C. Flexuosum can handle -12°C to -15°C for extended periods of time; this is otherwise unheard of in the chili world. The plant is deciduous, so will lose its leaves by March, but they'll come back when the soil warms up in the spring.
The fruits are unlike any other pepper I’ve ever tasted. They’re extremely juicy, sweet, tangy, and possess a somewhat tropical flavour. Many Flexuosums are said to have no heat at all, but this strain is about as hot as cayenne peppers. The fruits essentially taste like spicy candy. Another unusual feature of this pepper is that it doesn't produce typical pods as it has no hollow cavity. Instead, it’s fleshy throughout, and more like a berry. Also, the seeds are black, not yellow/cream like most other peppers. This pepper is a must have for any chili lover and collector.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
Growing Instructions
Over time, Capsicum Flexuosum can grow to be ten feet tall, and live for 30 years or more. The plants are usually self-infertile, so two are recommended for a heavy fruit set. It’s best to start these seeds as early in the season as possible; we start them here on the farm in January. It's good to sow them in a sterile growing medium; most available seed starting soils should do the job nicely; we use sunshine mix (peat moss and perlite). The soil should be made moist, but not damp. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch below the soil surface. Store in a warm area until tiny sprouts emerge from the soil. A heat mat greatly aids in this step, but is not necessary. Seeds can take between 4-10 weeks to germinate, but they can sometimes take less time too. Some people find it helps to water with a 50% dilution of hydrogen peroxide, as it slightly softens the seeds' hard coating; however, this isn't necessary. Once germinated, and the first true leaf has formed, it's time to pot up to a larger container that contains a good quality potting soil. Transplant to their final location when the nighttime temperatures are consistently 8°C or higher. These peppers are perfectly suited for growing in pots or containers; I recommend using a 3-5 gallon pot or larger. Peppers do best when grown in full sun, but this species does well in partial shade too.