Famous for its fiery kick and signature flavor, Tabasco Pepper is a heat-loving heirloom variety known for its upright, slender fruits and bold, vinegar-friendly spice. These small peppers ripen from green to bright red and deliver a sharp, tangy heat that’s perfect for sauces and Southern-style cooking.
Why You’ll Love It:
Classic hot pepper flavor with a sharp, tangy heat
Upright-growing fruits that ripen to vibrant red
Highly productive plants with continuous harvests
A staple variety for making hot sauces and pepper vinegar
Growing Tips:
Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily); light afternoon shade can help in extreme heat
Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2–7.0, enriched with organic matter
Water: Keep soil consistently moist; allow top 2–3 inches to dry between watering
Spacing: 18–30 inches apart for airflow
Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions; sensitive to cool nights below ~55°F
Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer; switch to potassium-rich feed during flowering
Support: May benefit from staking due to heavy fruit production
Maturity: Approximately 80–100 days
Best Use:
Perfect for making hot sauces, pepper vinegar, and adding heat to marinades, stews, and Southern dishes. Harvest red for peak flavor and heat.
Grower’s Note:
Tabasco peppers grow well in containers—use at least a 5-gallon pot with good drainage and be prepared to water more frequently in warm weather.
