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‘UFO Purple’ hot pepper seed selection on a purple background, illustrated with a flying saucer and two flattened, lobed fruits. One pepper is deep violet and the other is mature red, each with a green stem. The name PURPLE UFO appears in large lettering. The image highlights the cultivar’s colour change and distinctive saucer-like fruit shape.

Hot pepper seed Solanaceae

Organic fruiting vegetable seeds

Organic ‘UFO Purple’ hot pepper

Name: Organic ‘UFO Purple’ hot pepper ( Capsicum annuum )
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Capsicum annuum

Product code : BIOVO-0208

‘UFO Purple’ is a Capsicum annuum hot pepper whose small, flattened fruits resemble flying saucers. Their colour changes from green to purple, then orange and red at full maturity, creating a remarkable display in a vegetable garden or on a patio. The fruity, tangy flesh carries pronounced heat, commonly reported around 30,000 to 45,000 Scoville Heat Units. This branching, productive annual generally reaches 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) in Quebec. It requires full sun, fertile well-drained soil, and an early indoor start to make the most of the relatively short warm growing season. It performs especially well in warm, sunny containers.

Quantity: Approximately 10 seeds
Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Warm-season annual

Common nameHot pepper

FamilySolanaceae

GenusCapsicum

Speciesannuum

CultivarUFO Purple

TypeHot pepper seed

Botanical nameCapsicum annuum

Reproducible seedsYes

Organic ‘UFO Purple’ hot pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘UFO Purple’) is an edible annual that is as decorative as it is productive. Its flattened, flared fruit resembles a small flying saucer and changes from green to purple, then orange and red at full maturity. The medium-thick flesh has a fruity, tangy character and pronounced heat, commonly reported around 30,000 to 45,000 Scoville Heat Units. The branching plant generally reaches 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) under Quebec conditions and bears pale blossoms that may show violet tones before the colourful fruit develops, creating interest through much of the warm growing season.

‘UFO Purple’ requires full sun, abundant warmth, and fertile, loose, well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost, 6 mm (1/4 in) deep. A growing-medium temperature of 27 to 29°C (80 to 85°F) supports germination, which may require 14 to 28 days. After emergence, provide strong light and avoid excessive watering. Move seedlings into individual pots, harden them gradually, and transplant only when soil has warmed and nights remain mild. Consistent watering and balanced nutrition support fruit set, while good spacing and air movement help foliage dry promptly after humid weather.

In the vegetable garden, this pepper suits sunny rows, edible beds, and containers where its changing colours become a genuine visual accent. Allow approximately 60 cm (24 in) between plants and add a small stake if fruit-laden branches begin to lean. Peppers may be picked purple or allowed to ripen fully to red; their flavour and heat change as maturity advances. Wear gloves when handling them, avoid touching your eyes, and taste a very small amount before adjusting a recipe. The fruit is useful in salsa, pickles, sauces, powders, and dried preparations, bringing both unusual shape and assertive heat to the kitchen.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

6 mm (1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Space plants approximately 60 cm (24 in) apart, with 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) between rows.

Germination temperature

27 to 29°C (80 to 85°F)

Germination time

14 to 28 days

Sowing period

Indoors, eight to ten weeks before the last frost; in Quebec, generally February to April depending on the region.

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Sow ‘UFO Purple’ indoors eight to ten weeks before the expected last frost. Use clean, moistened seed-starting mix and place seeds 6 mm (1/4 in) deep. Maintain the medium at 27 to 29°C (80 to 85°F), ideally with controlled bottom heat, until emergence, which may require 14 to 28 days. Keep the mix moist without saturating it. As soon as shoots appear, provide strong light for an extended period each day and slightly reduce warmth to encourage stocky plants. Move seedlings into individual containers once true leaves are established. About ten days before planting, gradually acclimate plants to direct sun, wind, and outdoor temperatures. Transplant after all frost danger has passed, when soil is warm and nights remain above approximately 10°C (50°F). Space plants 60 cm (24 in) apart and add a stake when needed. Water deeply at soil level, apply mulch after the ground has warmed, and fertilize moderately. Inspect foliage regularly, harvest with gloves, and pick peppers purple or allow them to ripen fully red according to the intended kitchen use. Label the tray clearly, rotate seedlings beneath the lights, and transplant only vigorous plants with healthy roots and sturdy stems.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Minimum temperature

10°C (50°F)

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water deeply at soil level when the upper layer begins to dry, then allow excess moisture to drain. Maintain even moisture during flowering and fruit development without saturating the roots. Clean mulch limits evaporation and soil splash on foliage. Avoid sharp cycles between drought and heavy watering, as well as late-day overhead watering, particularly during cool or humid periods. Check container moisture daily during hot, windy weather.

Soil type

Choose loose, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with mature compost before transplanting. A loamy texture that holds even moisture without remaining saturated supports healthy roots and continued production. Avoid locations where water collects after rain and soils that remain cold or compacted. Rotating with crops outside the Solanaceae family helps reduce problems shared by peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. Mix in mature compost before planting and avoid compacted or waterlogged ground.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before planting, then apply balanced fertilizer for fruiting vegetables according to label directions and, ideally, a soil test. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of blossoms and fruit. In containers, divide applications into smaller doses because frequent watering leaches nutrients more quickly. Never fertilize completely dry potting mix. Reduce feeding if leafy growth becomes excessive.

Moisture

Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.

Seasonal care

In spring, sow indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost and keep the seed-starting mix warm until emergence. Then place seedlings under strong light, move them into larger pots once true leaves are established, and prevent roots from circling too long in small containers. About ten days before transplanting, gradually expose plants to wind, direct sun, and outdoor temperatures. Wait until the soil has warmed before planting. In summer, water deeply at soil level, maintain clean mulch, and inspect leaf undersides. Add a small stake if fruit-laden branches lean, then harvest regularly at the desired colour stage. Wear gloves during picking and preparation. Avoid excess nitrogen and remove diseased tissues promptly with a clean tool. In fall, gather fruit before the first frost. A container plant may be moved temporarily to a bright, protected location as nights cool, but it should not be treated as a cold-hardy perennial. After the season, discard diseased tissue, compost healthy residue only, wash the container, and sanitize supports. During winter, plan a three- to four-year rotation before growing another Solanaceae crop in the same location. Record the healthiest plants and the fruit colour sequence throughout summer. Remove damaged peppers promptly, clean fallen debris, and avoid handling healthy plants immediately after working with diseased Solanaceae. Before frost, gather mature fruit, wash reusable containers, sanitize supports, and note which plants best matched the expected type.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Approximately 15 to 25 L, at least 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) in diameter and depth

Use a stable 15 to 25 L container measuring at least 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) in diameter and depth, with several drainage holes. Fill it with an airy vegetable potting mix enriched with compost rather than compact garden soil alone. Set the plant at the same depth at which it grew in its seedling pot and add a small stake immediately if the location is windy. Place the container in full sun, ideally near a surface that holds some warmth without overheating the roots. Water slowly until excess drains, then water again when the surface begins to dry. Check moisture daily during hot weather, but never leave the pot standing in a water-filled saucer. Apply light mulch and fertilize regularly at a moderate rate for fruiting plants. Rotate the container only when its support remains stable and light would otherwise be uneven. Harvest with gloves and avoid touching the eyes. Before frost, move the pot temporarily under protection to finish formed fruit, then clean the equipment at season’s end. Inspect foliage and fruit regularly, shelter the container from damaging wind, and harvest promptly to support continued production.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in)

Width / spread

Approximately 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)

Flower color

White to pale violet

Foliage color

Green, sometimes tinged with purple

Foliage type

Simple, deciduous foliage; grown as an annual in Quebec

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Branching, upright to bushy, and productive

Fragrance

Light fragrance

Bloom period

Flowering begins in summer when the plant receives sufficient warmth and light. Small pale blossoms, white to lightly violet, form at foliage junctions. They are self-fertile, although vibration from wind and visits by bumblebees or other bees can assist pollen release. Even moisture and moderate temperatures support fruit set, while excessive heat, drought, or excess nitrogen may cause blossoms to drop.

Fruiting

After fruit set, the small flattened, flared peppers enlarge above the foliage and gradually change colour. They progress from green to purple, then orange and red at advanced maturity. Several stages may be visible on one plant at the same time. Steady warmth, even watering, and balanced nutrition encourage continued production until cold nights slow growth and the first frost ends the outdoor season.

Days to maturity

Approximately 100 to 110 days after transplanting

Harvest

Harvest purple for younger fruit or allow it to ripen orange and red; always handle with gloves.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Basil, onions, and early lettuce can grow near ‘UFO Purple’ when every crop retains sufficient light, water, air circulation, and root space. These combinations mainly diversify the bed; they do not replace rotation or regular inspection. Avoid crowding plants or repeatedly growing peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes in the same location because these Solanaceae share certain pests and diseases. Select neighbours according to their actual needs, mature height, and Quebec harvest schedule rather than relying on unsupported companion-planting claims or indicates of automatic pest control.

Plants to avoid

Avoid waterlogged soil, cold nights, crowding, and repeated rotations with peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, or potatoes.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Fruit

Prepare a small fruity salsa while wearing gloves. Begin with half of one seeded ‘UFO Purple’ pepper, finely chopped; its heat can be pronounced, so add more only after tasting. Combine it with 300 g (about 2 cups) diced tomatoes, 60 mL (1/4 cup) finely chopped red onion, 30 mL (2 tbsp) fresh cilantro, and 15 mL (1 tbsp) lime juice. Add a pinch of salt, stir, and refrigerate for fifteen minutes. Taste a small amount on one tortilla chip before adjusting either heat or acidity. Serve the fresh salsa with tacos, black beans, or grilled fish. Wash the knife, cutting board, and gloved hands thoroughly after preparation, and avoid touching the eyes. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator and use them promptly. This quantity makes approximately four side-dish portions; discard any preparation showing mould, leakage, gas, or an abnormal odour. Refrigerate the finished preparation promptly in a clean, covered container and discard any portion showing mould, gas, leakage, or an abnormal odour.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should ‘UFO Purple’ pepper be sown in Quebec?

Sow indoors eight to ten weeks before your region’s average last frost, generally from February to April in Quebec. Place seeds 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in clean seed-starting mix and maintain 27 to 29°C (80 to 85°F). Emergence may take 14 to 28 days, so provide steady warmth and light moisture without waterlogging the medium. After germination, supply strong light, move seedlings into larger pots once true leaves are established, and harden them for about ten days. Transplant only after frost danger has passed, when soil has warmed and nights remain mild enough for this heat-loving crop. Label trays.

How hot is ‘UFO Purple’?

Specialty sources most often report approximately 30,000 to 45,000 Scoville Heat Units, although actual heat varies with seed line, fruit maturity, and growing conditions. This level is generally hotter than a typical jalapeño and deserves careful handling. Wear gloves, avoid touching the face, and begin with a very small amount in any recipe. Removing the inner membranes can reduce some heat without eliminating it completely. Always taste before adding the remainder of the pepper, especially when preparing salsa or sauce for several people whose tolerance for capsaicin may differ considerably. Keep the container in full sun, rotate it weekly for even growth, and shelter it from damaging wind when necessary.

When is the fruit ready to harvest?

Fruit may be harvested once it is fully formed and purple, or left to progress through orange and red for more complete maturity. Colour is a better guide than the calendar alone because warmth, sunlight, and transplanting date change development speed. Cut the stem with clean pruners rather than pulling on the relatively fragile branches. Wear gloves from the moment of harvest and keep peppers separate from mild vegetables. Before a forecast frost, gather all adequately developed fruit; peppers that have already begun changing colour may continue ripening indoors at room temperature. Wear gloves during harvest, taste cautiously, and record the colour and heat of each plant because individual fruits may vary.

Can ‘UFO Purple’ be grown in a container?

Yes. Fill it with airy vegetable potting mix, place the plant in full sun, and add a small stake if the site is windy. Water slowly until excess drains whenever the surface begins to dry; during hot weather, check moisture daily. Regular low-dose fertilizer replaces nutrients leached by frequent watering. Never leave the pot standing in a water-filled saucer, and move it under protection before a frosty night. Check moisture every day during hot spells and protect the pot from strong winds that could overturn the plant. To preserve quality, inspect Organic ‘UFO Purple’ hot pepper regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth.

Why does the fruit change colour?

The change from green to purple, then orange and red, is part of the normal ripening process of ‘UFO Purple’. Visible pigments evolve while the fruit develops sugars, aroma, and heat. Several colours may therefore appear at once on a plant carrying fruit of different ages. A well-formed purple pepper can already be used, while the red stage represents more advanced maturity. Light exposure also affects purple intensity, so shaded fruit may appear less dark. Harvest according to the desired flavour and kitchen use, and wear gloves at every maturity stage because capsaicin is already present before the fruit turns fully red.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

The small blossoms may be visited by bumblebees and other bees able to vibrate the anthers and release pollen. Wind also contributes to pollination, while active insect visitors can support consistent fruit set during the flowering period. Avoid spraying open flowers while bees are actively foraging nearby.