Desperado Pepper Seeds

Capsicum annuum Desperado Pepper

Capsicum annuum Desperado Pepper is a high-yielding, early maturing hybrid Anaheim-type chili, valued for its thick-walled, fleshy pods and reliable production. Growing to about 18 - 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 - 18 inches, this compact and sturdy variety is an excellent choice for home vegetable gardens, market growers, and large patio containers. Unlike traditional Anaheim peppers that can be lanky and late to ripen, Desperado is bred for heat tolerance and speed, bridging the gap between summer planting and harvest with heavy loads of mild, flavorful peppers that ripen from glossy green to deep red.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The thick, juicy walls and manageable mild heat (approx. 500-1,000 Scoville units) make these peppers perfect for roasting, peeling, and stuffing for classic chiles rellenos.
• Their fresh, peppery flavor enhances salsas, stews, and omelets without overwhelming the dish with spice, making them a family-friendly choice.
• When allowed to ripen to red, the flavor deepens and sweetens, making them excellent for drying or grinding into mild chili powder.

Characteristics

• Foliage/Fruit: Dense canopy of green leaves protecting the fruit; produces uniform, long (up to 7 inches) pods that are straight, smooth, and notably heavy due to their thick flesh.
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, and well-branched; the plant is structurally strong to support heavy yields, often requiring less staking than taller heritage varieties.
• Flowers: Produces small, white, star-shaped blossoms in early summer, which are self-pollinating and set fruit reliably even in warmer temperatures.
• Seeds: Harvested after the fruit fully ripens to red; seeds are concentrated at the stem end and are easily removed during preparation.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for maximum yield and proper fruit development.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers fertile, loamy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
• Water: Requires moderate, consistent watering; keeping the soil evenly moist prevents blossom end rot and ensures the thickest fruit walls.
• Spacing: Plant transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 30 inches apart to allow for vigorous growth and easy harvesting.
• Maintenance: Feed with a balanced vegetable fertilizer at planting and again at fruit set; harvest green peppers frequently to encourage the plant to continue producing throughout the season.

Shipping Info

Desperado Pepper seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.