Charleston, SC (Zone 9a) | January 2016 | positive
I've fallen in love with this chili pepper. I should clarify that I have no basis to compare it to other New Mexico type peppers, as this...Read More is the 1st that I've ever tasted or planted. I planted this pepper 2 months late for my area and grew it in an 18in container under horrible circumstances but still picked a ton of huge & incredibly delicious peppers.
Like all New Mexico Peppers, this plant is best suited for a hot, dry climate, like that in the desert SW. I grew it in Charleston, SC where the climate is almost tropical. It got plenty of heat here, but it also survived in near 100% humidity and through a year when we got just short of 80 inches of rainfall, even more than our usual 52in. In fact, this plant survived a historic flood during which we received 26in in 2 days. That's a lot of water for a plant that prefers a dry climate. Incredibly, it's still alive today, Jan 6, having just lived through 2 nights at 29-30F, and it is still blooming! 2 days ago I picked a large container of peppers from it.
But the reason I love it is the incredible flavor along with its versatility. The flavor makes it a fabulous addition to almost any dish. I quickly found myself cutting thin ribbons of it into everything I ate. Then I learned that, depending on when I picked them, I could have no heat, a little heat, or lots of heat. When they 1st reached 6-8in size and were still green, they had no heat and could be used like bell peppers - but with much more flavor. If left on the plant a few days longer they would have slight heat, about like pepperoni. If I let them stay a couple weeks or more they would be quite hot. I enjoyed have so much versatility in 1 plant. I will really miss this plant when the peppers run out. I will definitely plant it again, even though it is not intended for my climate.
Incidentally, this is the hottest of the New Mexico peppers with 15,000 - 30,000 su at maturity. That's medium hot for peppers in general. If you are seeking extreme heat, this isn't it. If you want fabulous flavor with medium heat this is for you.
I've fallen in love with this chili pepper. I should clarify that I have no basis to compare it to other New Mexico type peppers, as this...Read More
A 7 x 2 inch New Mexican type pepper.