Chile Red Pepper

10 Seeds

Chile Red Pepper is a productive chili pepper variety that produces long, slender fruits that ripen from green to a rich bright red. It offers a medium to moderately hot heat level (approximately 5,000–30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), depending on the variety) and is widely used fresh, dried, powdered, in sauces, and in traditional Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. It performs very well in the Gulf region when planted during the cooler season and is suitable for gardens, containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended)
• January to February (for protected greenhouse cultivation)
• Avoid outdoor planting when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (25–30°C) for 8–12 hours before sowing.
• Optional: soak in diluted seaweed extract or chamomile tea to improve germination.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Coco peat
• 30% Compost
• 20% Garden soil
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the growing medium evenly moist until germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 25–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During extremely hot Gulf afternoons, provide 30–40% shade cloth.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
• Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid overwatering and ensure excellent drainage.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days
• Germination may take up to 21 days under cooler conditions.

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 45–60 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 60–75 cm apart

Harvesting

• Harvest begins:
  • 75–95 days after transplanting
• Harvest peppers while green for a milder flavor or allow them to ripen to bright red for maximum sweetness, color, and heat.
• Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant during August to October for the best harvest.
• Apply organic mulch to reduce soil temperature and conserve moisture.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then use a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruit production.
• Ensure good air circulation and protect plants from intense afternoon heat.
• Chile Red Pepper grows exceptionally well in containers, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems.