Fish Pepper Seeds – 10 Heirloom Hot Pepper Seeds, Capsicum annuum

The Fish Pepper is a striking heirloom hot pepper prized for its ornamental foliage and uniquely striped fruit. Native to the African-American culinary tradition of the Mid-Atlantic, this Capsicum annuum variety produces compact plants with variegated leaves that add visual interest to vegetable gardens and container plantings. The peppers mature from creamy white with green stripes to a rich red, offering both beauty and heat.

Whether you grow it for its colorful pods, its place in heirloom gardens, or its use in traditional recipes, the Fish Pepper is a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking something distinctive. Its moderate heat and complex flavor make it a favorite for fresh salsas, drying, and pickling.

Plant Features

• Unique striped fruit that transitions from white-green to red
• Variegated foliage adds ornamental value
• Heirloom variety with cultural significance
• Compact growth habit suitable for containers
• Moderately hot peppers with rich flavor

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
• Plant Type: Annual pepper
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11 (grown as annual)
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 18-24 inches
• Germination Requirements: Soil temperature 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start Fish Pepper seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist and warm. Germination typically occurs in 10-21 days. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to conserve moisture. Fertilize lightly when plants begin to flower. Harvest peppers when they reach desired color and size; fruits can be used at any stage from green to red.

What's Included

10 Fish Pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum).