Pepper

• Chiltepin Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 24-36 inches

Description: Chiltepin Pepper, also known as Bird's Eye Pepper, produces small, round fruits that pack a spicy punch. Native to Texas and the Southwest, it thrives in hot, dry conditions and is favored for its heat and flavor in local cuisines.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: Yes

• Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense 'Habanero')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 24-36 inches

Description: Habanero Pepper is renowned for its fiery heat and fruity flavor, making it a favorite in spicy dishes and salsas. It thrives in warm climates and requires ample sunlight and consistent watering to produce its characteristic wrinkled, lantern-shaped fruits.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: No

• Jalapeño Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Jalapeño')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 24-30 inches

Description: Jalapeño Pepper is prized for its medium heat and versatility in culinary applications, from salsas to poppers. It thrives in warm climates and requires regular watering to produce its iconic green, sometimes turning red, conical fruits.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Provide consistent moisture and support for heavier fruiting.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: No

• Lunchbox Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Lunchbox')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 12-18 inches

Description: Lunchbox Pepper produces small, sweet fruits that are perfect for snacking, salads, and lunchboxes. It grows well in containers and garden beds, requiring regular watering and a sunny location to thrive and produce abundant harvests of colorful peppers.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-15 inches apart.
• Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: No

• Poblano Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Poblano')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Description: Poblano Pepper is known for its mild to moderate heat and rich flavor, ideal for stuffing, roasting, or adding depth to sauces. It thrives in warm climates and benefits from consistent moisture and well-drained soil to produce its large, heart-shaped fruits.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, loamy soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
• Provide support for larger plants and fruit clusters.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: No

• Takara Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Shishito')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 24-30 inches

Description: Takara Pepper, also known as Shishito Pepper, is prized for its mild, sweet flavor and thin skin. It's popular for grilling or pan-frying whole and served as a savory appetizer or side dish. This variety thrives in warm climates and benefits from regular watering and well-drained soil.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Harvest peppers when they are green and immature for best flavor.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: No

• California Wonder Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18-24 inches

Description: California Wonder Pepper, also known as Bell Pepper, produces large, blocky fruits that are sweet and versatile in cooking. It thrives in warm climates and benefits from regular watering and fertile, well-drained soil to produce abundant harvests of green to red peppers.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring to Early Summer

Nativity to Texas: No

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• Mellow Star Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Mellow Star')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18–24 inches

Harvest Time: 60–70 days

Description:
Mellow Star is a Japanese-style shishito pepper known for its mild flavor and thin walls, perfect for blistering, sautéing, or grilling whole. Most fruits are sweet, though occasionally one may carry a surprising spicy kick. These compact, productive plants thrive in hot climates, making them well-suited to Texas gardens and patios.

Planting Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting or direct sow after the last frost.

• Space plants 18 inches apart in well-drained, fertile soil.

• Harvest when fruits are green and about 3–4 inches long.

• Pick regularly to encourage continued production.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

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• Spitfire Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Spitfire')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 24–30 inches

Harvest Time: 70–80 days

Description:
Spitfire Pepper is a striking variety that produces vibrant red, slender peppers with a bold, spicy heat. These peppers are perfect for hot sauces, drying, or adding a fiery kick to salsas and stir-fries. The compact plants are heavy producers and thrive in Texas heat, making them a great choice for spicy food lovers and pepper enthusiasts alike.

Planting Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting outdoors.

• Space 18–24 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

• Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.

• Harvest when fruits turn fully red for peak flavor and heat.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

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• Carmen Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Carmen')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 24–30 inches

Harvest Time: 60–80 days

Description:
Carmen is an award-winning Italian-style sweet pepper known for its tapered, horn-shaped fruits that ripen from green to deep red. With a rich, sweet flavor and thin skin, Carmen peppers are excellent for roasting, stuffing, or eating fresh. The plants are compact yet high-yielding, making them ideal for Texas gardens and containers.

Planting Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting.

• Transplant after the danger of frost has passed.

• Space 18–24 inches apart in well-drained soil.

• Harvest when fruits are fully red for the sweetest flavor.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

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• Olympus Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Olympus')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18–24 inches

Harvest Time: 65–75 days

Description:
Olympus is a reliable, early-maturing bell pepper variety that produces large, blocky fruits with thick walls and a crisp, juicy texture. The peppers mature from green to a rich red, making them perfect for slicing, stuffing, or grilling. Known for its strong disease resistance and consistent yields, Olympus thrives in warm climates and performs well in Texas gardens.

Planting Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting.

• Space 18–24 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

• Keep soil evenly moist and mulch to retain moisture.

• Harvest when fruits are firm and fully colored.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No

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• Sweet Goddess Pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Goddess')

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate

Height: 18–24 inches

Harvest Time: 65–75 days

Description:
Sweet Goddess is a beautiful banana-type pepper known for its smooth, elongated fruits that ripen from pale yellow to orange and finally a rich red. These sweet, mild peppers are perfect for fresh snacking, pickling, or cooking. The vigorous plants are productive and disease-resistant, performing especially well in hot climates like Texas.

Planting Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

• Transplant into well-drained, fertile soil spaced 18–24 inches apart.

• Water consistently and mulch to help retain moisture.

• Harvest when the desired ripeness and color is reached.

Ideal Season for Planting in Texas: Spring

Nativity to Texas: No