Hot Pepper Seeds - Red Cherry Hot

The Red Cherry Hot pepper is a small, vibrant chili variety known for its bold, spicy flavor and stunning red color. Typically used in hot sauces, salsas, or as a garnish, this pepper packs a punch despite its petite size. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for container gardening, and its high yield makes it an excellent choice for spice enthusiasts looking to add some heat to their culinary creations.

Key Benefits

• Bold, Spicy Flavor: Delivers a fiery heat that adds intensity to dishes.
• Compact Size: Small, round peppers that grow on bushy plants, making them ideal for containers or small garden spaces.
• High Yield: Produces an abundant harvest of small peppers, perfect for preserving or making sauces.
• Bright Red Color: Adds vibrant color to both the garden and culinary presentations.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Great for hot sauces, salsas, and garnishes, or used in dried forms for seasoning.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants that typically reach 18–24 inches in height.
• Fruit Profile: Small, round peppers that turn bright red when fully ripe, providing a spicy kick.
• Maturity: Ready for harvest in 70–80 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Heat Level: Hot, with a Scoville heat rating of around 15,000–30,000 SHU, making it a medium to hot pepper.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
• Transplant outdoors once the soil has warmed and after the risk of frost has passed.
• Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart for optimal growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun for best growth and fruit production.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Water deeply, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy growth.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when plants begin to set fruit. A fertilizer with higher potassium will enhance fruit quality.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use organic insecticidal soap if needed.
• Diseases: Susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and blight. Ensure proper spacing for airflow and practice crop rotation.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• The peppers are ready to harvest when they have turned bright red and are firm to the touch. Harvest before they begin to shrivel for the best flavor.

How to Harvest

• Use scissors or shears to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Red Cherry Hot peppers can be frozen whole or chopped for later use.
• Drying: Dry the peppers by stringing them up or using a dehydrator to preserve them for long-term use.

Culinary Uses

• Hot Sauces: A perfect addition to homemade hot sauces, offering a bold, spicy kick.
• Salsas: Add to salsas for an extra burst of heat.
• Garnishes: Use as a garnish for dishes that need an extra layer of spice.
• Pickling: Pickle these peppers to create a tangy, spicy condiment.

Conclusion

The Red Cherry Hot pepper is an ideal variety for spice lovers looking to add heat to their dishes. With its compact growth, vibrant red color, and bold flavor, it’s perfect for small spaces, container gardens, and anyone looking to enhance their cooking with a touch of fiery heat. Whether used fresh in hot sauces, pickled, or dried, this pepper will add a punch of spice to any recipe.