Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper (Margaretta’s Mistake) (Capsicum annuum) In the summer of 2007, my retired ‘new to gardening’ neighbour Margaretta mistakenly grew this pepper, thinking it was a Banana Pepper, to be used as a pickler, however, it did not disappoint. I was very impressed with the heat of what was actually a Hungarian Hot Wax pepper, described as a medium hot pepper on her seed packet. I insisted that she allow me to save the seeds from several plants. We have grown this strain ever since, thanks to “Margaretta’s Mistake” This variety can be hotter than a jalapeno, testing up to 15,000 Scoville Heat Units whereas most jalapeno’s never push 8,000! These plants yield consistent conical shaped fruit that grow 5-6 inches long. Plants are compact but can support many of these lovely bright yellow waxy fruits without staking. Fruit will darken to an orange-red crimson hue if left to mature on plants. A very versatile pepper with a big kick of heat. Thanks Margaretta!
Scoville heat units (SHU): 5,000 – 15,000
70 days to maturity
25 seeds per packet $4.45
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.
