Mad Hatter F1 Chili seeds
Despite its exotic exterior, this unique pepper is sweet, fruity, and citrusy in flavor. This is a hybrid variety crossed with the Bishops Crown pepper. Unlike the Bishops crown, this is a mild a pleasant chili with a Scoville unit of 500-1000. or less, so extremely mild.
These little guys appropriately gained their name by their hat-like appearance. In addition to growing delicious peppers, these also play a double role of an ornamental and conversation piece for lookers-on. The Mad Hatter chilis are popular in Peruvian dishes, and are great for pickling, salads, or stuffed with cream cheese.
If harvested green, this will be fruity with grassy notes, like most other green peppers. If harvested red, they will have a more robust, sweeter flavor. Each pepper can reach 2 inches long with the plant reaching around 36"-40" tall. These do extremely well in containers.
Scoville: 500 - 1000
Seed count: 15
Botanic name:
Capsicum baccatum
Plant spacing:
24-36 inches apart
Color:
Chilis will be bright green if harvested early but will turn dark red if left on the stem.
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch deep
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Mad Hatter chilis are best when used in Latin dishes, stuffed, or used fresh.
Frost Hardy:
No
Maturity days:
80 - 90 days
Life cycle:
Annual
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
N/A
Scoville Units:
Growing Instructions:
Indoor Seed Starting
Gather Your Supplies:
- High-quality seed starting mix
- Seed trays or small pots
- Chili and pepper seeds of your choice
- Germination mat or heat mat
- Grow lights (if natural light is insufficient)
- Labels and a pen for plant identification
Sow the Seeds:
Fill your trays or pots with damp seed starting mix.
Make small indentations about ¼ inch deep. Place a couple of seeds in each hole.
Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of mix and mist with water.
Provide Consistent Warmth:
This is the most important aspect! Chili and pepper seeds germinate best with soil temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Place your seed trays on the germination mat to maintain the optimal temperature.
Maintain Moisture:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil.Consider placing a humidity dome or plastic wrap over the trays to retain moisture.
Provide Light:
Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light.
If using grow lights, keep them a few inches above the seedlings, adjusting their height as they grow.
Outdoor Seed Starting:
Timing is Crucial:
Peppers and chilies thrive in warm weather. Start your seeds outdoors only after the last frost risk has passed, and soil temperatures remain consistently warm.
Prepare the Soil:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden.
Amend the soil with compost to boost its fertility.
Direct Sow Your Seeds
Follow the seed packet instructions for spacing.
Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and cover them lightly with soil.Water them thoroughly.
Hardening Off (For Indoor-Started Plants):
Before transplanting indoor-started seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
Start by placing them in a sheltered spot with partial shade for a few hours daily. Gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight and wind.
Additional Tips:
Spacing: Plant spacing will vary depending on the chili or pepper variety. Research the specific needs of your chosen varieties.
Drought Tolerance: While chili and pepper plants are relatively drought tolerant, they will perform best with regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Container Growing: Chili and pepper plants thrive in containers. Choose a pot that's appropriately sized for the mature plant.
