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Hot pepper 'Peter P*nis'

Name: Hot pepper 'Peter P*nis'
Brand: Ferme alternative Les Gardiens
SKU: GARD-SEMENCES
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Peter Pepper

Latin name Capsicum annuum

Quantity per packet About 10 seeds

Produces decorative, unusual, flavorful fruits that add interest to both the garden and the kitchen. This heirloom variety is ideal for gardeners seeking a truly distinctive pepper.

Product information

Product
identification

Common namePeter Pepper

Latin nameCapsicum annuum

FamilySolanaceae

TypeFruit Vegetable

CycleAnnual in Canada

Quantity per packAbout 10 seeds

Code produitFEGAR-0022

Product
description

Peter Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is an old and unique variety known for the surprising phallic shape of its fruits. Its exact origins remain unclear, but it is often associated with Texas or Louisiana, where it was first grown as an ornamental plant. The compact plant can reach up to 1 m (3 ft) tall and produces decorative fruits that truly stand out in the vegetable garden. With moderate heat reaching up to 50,000 SHU, this pepper combines botanical curiosity, ornamental value, and a fruity, lightly sweet, spicy flavor.

Peter Pepper grows best in full sun, in rich, fertile, well-drained soil, with regular watering that avoids waterlogging. Start seeds indoors in early March, about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, at an ideal temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days. Once plants have 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots before gradually hardening them off outdoors. After the last frost, space plants 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) apart, or grow them in containers of at least 7 L (2 gal), with balanced fertilization every 2 to 3 weeks.

In the garden, this pepper is perfect for eccentric vegetable gardens, urban gardens, sunny patios, and collections of rare varieties. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, and cilantro, while benefiting from being kept away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its fruits, harvested when they turn orange to bright red, are useful in sauces, salsas, spicy dishes, or frozen whole or chopped. Peter Pepper is ideal for gardeners who enjoy productive, flavorful, and truly original plants.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodMarch to April

Best time

March to April

Sowing depth6 mm (1/4 in)

Germination temperature25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)

Germination time10 to 20 days

Propagation

Propagated from seed. Seeds remain true to type when plants are grown away from other Capsicum annuum varieties to reduce cross-pollination.

Growing
method

Start seeds indoors approximately 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost, ideally in early March. Sow seeds 6 mm (1/4 in) deep in moist growing mix maintained between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days under favorable conditions. Transplant seedlings once they develop 4 to 6 true leaves. Gradually harden them off before planting outdoors in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Maintain regular watering and balanced fertilization to encourage abundant harvests.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a warm, sheltered location to maximize production.

Soil

Rich, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. A light growing medium that retains consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged promotes vigorous growth.

Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral

Watering

Water once the growing medium begins to dry at the surface while avoiding excess moisture. Consistent soil moisture promotes abundant, even fruit production.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of active growth, then continue every two to three weeks. Reduce nitrogen once flowering begins to encourage fruit production rather than excessive foliage.

Care levelEasy

Remove damaged leaves, weed regularly, and maintain even soil moisture throughout the growing season. Fertilize every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer, then switch to one higher in potassium once flowering begins. Harvest ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued production. Remove plants before the first frost or overwinter them indoors if desired.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

7 to 10 L (2 to 3 gal)

Peter Pepper grows exceptionally well in containers of at least 7 L (2 gal) filled with rich, well-drained growing mix. Place the container in full sun in a warm, sheltered location. Water regularly without overwatering and fertilize every two to three weeks throughout the season. A small stake may help support the branches when heavily loaded with fruit. Containers also make it easy to protect plants during cool spring or autumn nights.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its highly unusual fruit shape immediately attracts attention while producing abundant harvests. The fruity flavor and moderate heat make it as decorative as it is delicious.

Produces decorative, unusual, flavorful fruits that add interest to both the garden and the kitchen. This heirloom variety is ideal for gardeners seeking a truly distinctive pepper.

Garden use

Perfect for novelty vegetable gardens, urban gardens, and sunny patios. It adds a playful touch while producing abundant, flavorful fruits. Pair it with tomatoes and culinary herbs in a warm, well-drained location. The harvest is equally suited to fresh cooking and preservation, and its unusual fruits attract attention throughout the growing season.

Bloom period

Small white flowers bloom throughout summer before fruit formation. They attract numerous beneficial pollinating insects.

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

July to October. Harvest fruits once they become orange to bright red for the best flavor. They can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried.

Fruiting

July to October

Wildlife appealBees and Pollinators

Size
and facts

Height75 to 100 cm (30 to 40 in)

Spread40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)

Growth rateFast

Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Tomato, Basil, Cilantro

Avoid planting with

Aphids, Spider Mites, Whiteflies

Recipe
and inspiration

The fruits are excellent in hot sauces, salsas, marinades, and spicy dishes. Their fruity, slightly sweet flavor is paired with pleasant medium heat. Peppers can be frozen whole or dried and ground into flakes or powder for long-term storage. They also make an eye-catching addition to tasting platters and homemade recipes.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Peter Pepper in Canada? +

Start seeds indoors in early March, approximately 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. Temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77 to 86°F) promote rapid germination. This schedule allows plants to produce abundant harvests throughout summer.

Why do the seeds take time to germinate? +

Capsicum annuum seeds germinate best with consistent warmth. Germination usually takes 10 to 20 days when the growing mix remains warm and evenly moist. A heat mat often improves both speed and success.

Can Peter Pepper be grown in containers? +

Yes. This variety performs exceptionally well in large containers placed in full sun. Good drainage, regular watering, and consistent fertilization ensure excellent production. Containers also allow plants to be moved easily according to the weather.

Is Peter Pepper very hot? +

It reaches up to approximately 50,000 SHU, providing noticeable heat while remaining far milder than super-hot peppers. Its fruity, slightly sweet flavor makes it especially enjoyable in sauces and salsas.

Which companion plants are best? +

Tomatoes, basil, and cilantro are excellent companion plants because they share similar growing requirements. Avoid planting near fennel and beets. A diverse garden also attracts beneficial pollinating insects.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.