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Get it between 2025-01-28 to 2025-02-04. Additional 3 business days for provincial shipping.
Appearance: The Red Manzano chili pepper stands out for its unique appearance. The fruit is round and often slightly flattened, with a distinctive apple-like shape. The skin is thick and waxy, and the pepper is usually larger than many other chili pepper varieties. It starts out green and turns to a vibrant red as it matures.
Heat Level: Red Manzano chili peppers are known for their medium to high level of spiciness. They can range from around 30,000 to 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on the Scoville scale, which measures the heat of chili peppers. This places them in a similar heat range as some habanero peppers.
Flavor: Despite their spiciness, Red Manzano chili peppers are also valued for their fruity and slightly sweet flavor, which is often accompanied by a distinctive smokiness. This combination of heat and flavor makes them a sought-after ingredient in various dishes.
Culinary Uses: Red Manzano chili peppers are commonly used in South American cuisine, particularly in countries like Peru. They are used to add heat and flavor to a wide range of dishes, including stews, sauces, soups, salsas, and marinades. Due to their thick flesh, they are often roasted, stuffed, or used in pickling. In some regions, they are even used to make chili pastes or sauces.
Growing Conditions: Red Manzano chili peppers are typically grown as perennial plants, although they can be treated as annuals in colder climates. They prefer warm temperatures and can be grown in containers or in garden beds. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. The plants have a bushy growth habit and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet.
Here's how you can plant Red Manzano Chili Pepper from seeds: 1. Starting Indoors: Red Manzano chili peppers have a longer growing season, so it's best to start them indoors in colder climates. Start the seeds 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. 2. Seed Starting Mix: Fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining seed starting mix. You can also create your own mix using equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. 3. Planting Seeds: Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Planting multiple seeds in each container can help ensure germination. 4. Moisture and Warmth: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid to create a humid environment. Place the containers in a warm location, around 75-85°F, for optimal germination. 5. Germination: Red Manzano chili pepper seeds may take a bit longer to germinate compared to other pepper varieties. They can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to sprout. 6. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. You can use larger pots or containers with good drainage. 7. Harden Off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them in a sheltered area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time and exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a week.