Capsicum Red Hot Cherry - 5 Seeds

Capsicum Red Hot Cherry  (Also known as "Cherry Bomb" similar to the "Cape Medalion" is a compact chili pepper variety that produces small, round, cherry-shaped peppers. These peppers turn from green to bright red when mature and have a spicy heat level, making them great for pickling, stuffing, or drying.

Scoville Heat Level: Medium-hot, around 2,500-5,000 SHU.

Fruit Size: Round, about 2.5-4 cm in diameter.

Plant Height: Grows 50-70 cm tall.

Growth Habit: Bushy, compact plant, suitable for containers and garden beds.

Uses: Perfect for fresh use, pickling, stuffing, and drying for chili flakes or powder.

When to Sow

Indoors: Start seeds indoors at the end of Winter 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

Outdoors: Only sow directly outdoors if temperatures are consistently above 18°C.

Sowing Method

Soil: Use well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Add compost for extra nutrients.

Planting Depth: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in seed trays or pots.

Temperature: Maintain soil temperature at 20-25°C for germination.

Germination Time: 7-14 days.

Transplanting

Once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves, harden them off and transplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures stay above 12°C.

Space plants 40-50 cm apart in rows that are 60 cm apart.

Light & Temperature

Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Prefers warm weather (18-30°C) and dislikes cold conditions.

Watering & Soil Care

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply 1-2 times a week.

Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization

Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks during early growth.

Once flowering starts, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer to boost fruit production.

Pruning & Support

Remove lower leaves to improve airflow and prevent disease.

Stake plants if they become top-heavy with fruit.

Pests & Diseases

Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

Diseases: Blossom end rot (caused by calcium deficiency) and fungal diseases can occur if overwatered.

When to Harvest: 75-85 days after transplanting, when peppers turn deep red.

How to Harvest: Use scissors or garden shears to cut peppers, leaving a small stem attached.

Tips for Success

Use containers for easy growing in colder climates.
Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as it leads to excessive leaf growth.
Pick peppers regularly to encourage more fruiting.

By following these steps, you’ll have a bountiful harvest of spicy, delicious Red Hot Cherry peppers!