Great Depression Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum) - Originally grown as an ornamental pepper for flower borders and containers, this heirloom traces its roots to the 1930s, when Jane Kirksey cultivated it in her gardens. Compact, bushy plants produce a heavy canopy of dark purple leaves and upright, 1″ conical fruits that ripen from purple to orange and finally to deep burgundy-red.
The flavour is somewhat bitter but lends itself beautifully to hot sauces, salsas, pickling, and pepper jellies, a practical choice during the hardships of the Great Depression. Its compact, upright growth and striking foliage also make it a lovely addition to ornamental plantings.
95-100 days from transplant.
25 seeds per packet.
Planting Instructions: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Sow 1/4 inch deep and keep soil warm. Transplant into 1 inch cells or 2 inch pots at 1-2 leaf stage. Harden off plants for 4-5 days after risk of frost has passed. Transplant outdoors once day and night temperatures are consistently above 10 degrees Celsius.
