The Hot Portugal pepper plant can grow to be 90-120 cm tall. It has green leaves, and the flowers are white. After a minimum of 80 days, the first fresh fruits can be harvested. They are approximately 15 cm long and have a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. As they ripen, they transition from green to a bright red color. The fruits of this variety can be harvested multiple times. The pepper plant produces many fruits, which can sometimes cause the stem to break under the weight. The appearance of the fruits resembles those of Cayenne peppers, elongated with a slightly pointed tip. The taste of Hot Portugal fruits is sweet with a mild spiciness. They can be consumed fresh in salads, salsas, and marinades. The fruits of this pepper can also be used to make pickled preserves and mild spicy sauces. The origin of the Hot Portugal pepper is reportedly Central and South America, but it was brought to the European continent upon the discovery of the New World. It gained popularity in Portugal, as its name suggests. In the 20th century, specifically in 1935, it was reintroduced to America. Today, it is grown almost worldwide.
Growing Conditions
Sowing Time: mid to late February
Light Requirements: Plant seedlings in a well-sunned location. Requires 6-8 hours of exposure to sunlight daily.
Soil Temperature for Sowing: 20-24°C
Germination Time: up to 28 days
Planting: Seedlings are transplanted directly into the soil or large pots at an air temperature >18°C, in our climate towards the end of May.
Temperature after Transplanting: 21-28°C
Required Pot Size: If planting in pots, use containers with a minimum capacity of 15 liters.
Spacing within the Row: 45-60 cm between two plants in a row
Spacing between Rows: 60-90 cm between rows
Watering: In the field, watering depends on rainfall; during dry periods, water at least once a week. Peppers in pots should be watered as needed, whenever the substrate at root level is dry. Water exclusively at the substrate near the roots, not by spraying on the leaves.
Fertilization: From transplanting until flowering, apply foliar fertilizer (spraying over the leaves) once a week with a formulation of 19:6:20, and during flowering until the end of harvest, use a formulation of 15:5:30.
