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Plant Informational Database

Kung Pao Pepper

Capsicum annuum

Long, skinny red pepper similar in appearance to the cayenne. The Kung Pao Pepper is a fairly recently introduced hybrid with excellent mildly hot flavor and is often used in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisine. Fruits are very long, to 6-9", dark red in color, with thin walls. Plants are fast-growing and vigorous.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Kung Pao Pepper. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in November 2015.

Days to Maturity

80-90 Days

Heat Level

Medium to hot.

Origin

Hybrid.

Germination Info

Start seeds in small containers from 8-10 weeks prior to the last frost date. Plant seeds approximately 1/4-1/2" deep in moist, well drained potting soil. Most standard soil mixes are suitable for pepper seeds. Soil temperature must be kept at 75-90F for proper germination. Cool soil, particularly at night can inhibit or significantly delay germination. To keep soil temperature warm, start seeds indoors, in a greenhouse and/or use a seed starting heat mat. Keep soil moderately moist, though not overly, dripping wet. Water soil when the soil surface just begins to dry. Allow proper air circulation for containers.

Optionally, seeds can be dipped in a dilute hydrogen peroxide mix (1 tsp hydrogen peroxide per cup water) for one minute to disinfect seeds prior to planting. If your soil or seed setup is susceptible to mold growth this can be useful to kill mold spores.

Once seedlings have sprouted, keep in small containers until a few sets of leaves have developed. Transplant to larger containers or outdoors. If transplanting outdoors, make sure to harden off seedlings by exposing them to only filtered sunlight for up to 1-2 weeks. Thin plants to 3-4 ft and rows to 6-10 ft.

Estimated germination time under optimal conditions: 2-6 weeks

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