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Tabasco pepper typically grows to an average height of 60-100 cm, but sometimes can reach up to 150 cm. It has a bushy growth habit. The leaves are green with clearly visible leaf veins, and they have elongated and rounded leaf tips. The flowers are “dirty” white with hints of light yellow and green tones. After transplanting, it takes about 60 days to harvest the first green fruits, and around 80 days to harvest the first red, fully ripe fruits. The fruits ripen with the tip facing upwards, opposite to gravity, which is why people often use them as ornamental plants. During ripening, Tabasco peppers first turn yellow-green, then orange, and ultimately light red. The dimensions of the fruits are between 4 and 5 cm, with a rounded tip. During the season, these peppers are used fresh as an addition to omelets, various salads, salsas, and similar dishes. They are also used dried and ground as a cooking ingredient.
Growing Conditions
Sowing time: Mid to late February
Light requirements: Plant seedlings in a fully sunny location without excessive shading, with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Optimal sowing temperature: 25-30 °C
Germination time: 14-28 days
Planting: Seedlings are transplanted directly into the soil or large pots when the soil temperature is above 10 °C and air temperature is above 15 °C, typically from mid to late May in our climate.
Temperature after transplanting: Optimal temperature is above 24 °C, but not exceeding 32 °C as it may cause flower drop.
Required pot size: If planting in pots, use containers with a minimum capacity of 10 liters.
Spacing within rows: Maintain a spacing of 45-60 cm between two plants in a row.
Watering: In the field, water according to rainfall, with at least once weekly watering during dry periods. For potted peppers, water as needed when the substrate at root level is dry. Water directly at the root zone, avoiding spraying water on the leaves.
Fertilization: From transplanting until flowering, apply foliar fertilizer (spraying over the leaves) once a week using a formulation of 19:6:20. During flowering until the end of the harvest, use a formulation of 15:5:30.
