Name: Organic 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Organic seeds Solanaceae

Gaia

Capsicum annuum

From seed to harvest

Common nameHMS Orange Picnic Pepper

FamilySolanaceae

GenusCapsicum

Speciesannuum

TypeOrganic seeds

Botanical nameCapsicum annuum

Organic 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper Seeds (Capsicum annuum). This open-pollinated heirloom produces high yields of deep orange fruit measuring about 7.5 to 13 cm. The peppers have thick walls and develop on an upright plant. Gaia lists 500 to 2,500 Scoville Heat Units, which gives the fruit mild heat rather than extreme intensity. The crisp flesh is especially suitable for snacks, vegetable trays, salads, grilling, and small stuffed peppers. Young fruit is green and turns orange while ripening, allowing gardeners to harvest at either stage according to the flavour and colour desired. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Sow HMS Orange Picnic pepper seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting. Plant them about 1.3 cm deep in a light seed-starting mix. Maintain 25 to 32°C, ideally 27 to 31°C according to Gaia; germination generally takes 7 to 21 days. After emergence, provide the seedlings with bright light and good air circulation. Harden them off gradually, then transplant after the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Keep the growing mix evenly moist during establishment without leaving standing water around the developing roots. Rotate containers regularly. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds. Give every pepper seedling bright light after emergence and harden plants off gradually before outdoor planting.

Grow plants in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, spacing them about 30 to 46 cm apart. Plants reach approximately 61 to 91 cm tall and 46 to 61 cm wide. Gaia lists fast maturity at about 60 days. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development without saturating the soil. Harvest the first pepper promptly to encourage production, then pick later fruit either green or orange according to the desired flavour. The packet contains approximately 5 certified organic seeds from this productive heritage variety. Harvest regularly throughout summer as more fruit reaches full colour.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

13 mm (1/2 in)

Spacing / density

Plants: 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in) · rows: 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)

Germination temperature

25 to 32°C · optimal: 27 to 31°C

Germination time

7 to 21 days

Sowing period

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting date. For best results harden off at 18-19°C

Propagation

Seed propagation

Growing method

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting date. For best results harden off at 18-19°C 1/2″ 25-32°C 7 to 21 days (gradual hardening off recommended) Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Moderate

Seasonal care

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting date. For best results harden off at 18-19°C 1/2″ 25-32°C 7 to 21 days (gradual hardening off recommended) Harvest first fruit promptly to stimulate production. Alliums, Basil, Tomato, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Marigold. The packet contains approximately 5 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing HMS Orange Picnic Pepper in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. 20 to 30 L per plant with free drainage. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in)

Width / spread

46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in)

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright

Bloom period

Flowers appear in summer after the upright plants are established and temperatures remain warm. Peppers can set fruit without depending on bees, although several insects may still visit the blossoms. Maintain consistent moisture and moderate feeding; late cold, extreme heat, and excessive nitrogen can cause flowers to drop before fruit develops. Good air circulation also supports healthy flowering through the productive season.

Fruiting

The thick-walled fruit measures about 7.5 to 13 cm. Young peppers are green and turn deep orange at maturity. Harvest the first pepper promptly to encourage production, then pick later fruit either green or orange according to the intended use. Use clean pruners to protect the upright branches and handle the fruit gently after harvest to avoid bruising. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Plants to avoid

Beans, Brassicas, Fennel.

Garden use

In the garden, place HMS Orange Picnic Pepper according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Harvest first fruit promptly to stimulate production. Alliums, Basil, Tomato, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Marigold. The packet contains approximately 5 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper seeds are in the packet?

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, the packet information states: Approximately 5 seeds · lot GOGO579 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper seeds in Canada?

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, the stated sowing period is Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting date. For best results harden off at 18-19°C. The recommended method is Seed propagation, at a depth of 13 mm (1/2 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper seeds take to germinate?

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, the stated germination period is 7 to 21 days, with a germination temperature of 25 to 32°C · optimal: 27 to 31°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper in the garden?

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is Plants: 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in) · rows: 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in). For container growing, the product record recommends: 20 to 30 L per plant with free drainage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'HMS Orange Picnic' Pepper?

For HMS Orange Picnic Pepper, the confirmed edible parts are: Ripe fruit. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.