Japanese Santaka Chile Pepper (Capsicum annuum) - An heirloom variety first released in 1955 from the Tochigi Prefecture north of Tokyo, Japan. This uniform, high-yielding chile produces spicy, slender fruits that are easy to harvest and dry beautifully for later use. With a heat level of 15,000–50,000 SHU, Japanese Santaka is ideal for salsas, sauces, drying, and pickling, offering reliable performance and consistent fruiting. Its compact, productive plants make it suitable for both garden beds and containers.
Scoville heat units (SHU): 15,000 – 50,000
70-78 days to maturity.
20 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.
