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.
