Rainbow Bolivian Chili seeds
Coming in at 10,000-30,000 Scoville units, these chilis are sure to steal the glances of passers-by! If you aren't a fan of hot chilis, these play double duty as a striking ornamental chili. Rainbow Bolivian chilis will grow and transition through a spectrum of bright colors as each chili grows. Once the blooms fall off, a cream-colored ball will form. This will transition to purple, then yellow, then orange, and settle on a red color at maturity. These have also earned the name of "Christmas Light" chilis as they resemble the bright lights of the holidays. Bolivian Chilis are spicy and should be used conservatively in salsas, marinades, soups, or finely diced in salads.
These chilis take extremely well to containers. Each plant can reach 2-3 feet tall and approx 2- 2 1/2 feet across. If you are using a container, use at least a 3-gallon to accommodate these. Like other chilis, these love the heat and well-draining soil.
Seed count:15
Botanic name:
Capsicum annuum
Plant spacing:
24-36"
Color:
Each chili will transition from cream color to purple, to yellow, to orange, then to red.
Sowing depth:
1/4"
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Rainbow Bolivian chilis are a great ornamental although their spice lends itself well to soups, marinades, and salsas.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
85-90 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Christmas Light Chilis
Scoville Units:
10,000-30,000 SHU
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.
