Bumbleseeds

Hot Pepper-Kanthari - Violet (Capsicum frutescens) Non-GMO - Organically Grown - Vegetable/Herb

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Hot Pepper-Kanthari - Violet (Capsicum frutescens) Non-GMO - Organically Grown - Vegetable/Herb

It is a tender perennial in tropical climates but is almost exclusively grown as an annual in climates that experience frost.

Full sun

Full description The Violet Kanthari is a striking and highly pungent variety of the traditional "Bird's Eye" chili, hailing originally from the Kerala region of India. This plant is valued not only for its intense heat but also for its ornamental beauty; the bushy plants often feature dark stems and leaves tinged with deep purple, alongside delicate purple flowers. The small, tapered peppers are distinct for growing upright, pointing toward the sky. They start as a vibrant, deep violet colour and ripen to a bright scarlet red.

Known for a sharp, immediate kick of heat (often exceeding 100,000 Scoville units), these chilis are a staple in spicy South Indian cuisine. Furthermore, this pepper possesses significant medicinal properties. It is rich in capsaicin and has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion, boost metabolism, reduce cholesterol, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Full Growing information from seed:

  • Starting Indoors: Kanthari peppers are slow growers and require a long season. Start seeds indoors 8–12 weeks before the last average frost date in your area.

  • Germination Temperature: These seeds require consistent warmth to germinate. A soil temperature between 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F) is ideal. Using a seedling heat mat is highly recommended for successful germination.

  • Sowing Depth: Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep in sterile seed-starting mix.

  • Germination Time: Be patient; germination can take anywhere from 14 to 30 days, sometimes longer if temperatures are cool.

  • Light Requirements: Once sprouted, provide bright light for 14–16 hours a day using grow lights to prevent seedlings from becoming leggy.

  • Transplanting: Do not transplant outdoors until night-time temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F). Harden off seedlings gradually over a week before planting out.

  • Soil and Spacing: Plant in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in a full sun location.

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, they are somewhat drought tolerant, and slightly stressing the plant by reducing water near harvest can increase heat levels.

  • Feeding: Feed regularly with a balanced organic fertilizer, or one slightly lower in nitrogen once flowering begins to encourage fruit set rather than foliage.

No cold stratification is required. However, soaking the seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours prior to planting can help soften the seed coat and speed up germination.

Seed count: 5