Tabasco Hot Pepper Seeds

Sow Tabasco heirloom hot pepper seeds indoors 0.25 inch deep 6–10 weeks before last frost. Tabasco Hot Pepper seeds germinate at soil temperature of 70–85°F, and without a heat mat it is hard to hit that range consistently. Germination takes 7–10 days. Pot up into individual cells once two true leaves appear, and don't move seedlings outdoors too fast, wait until nighttime temps stay above 55°F. Before moving seedlings outside, harden them off for 7–10 day to avoid transplant shock.

Tabasco Hot Pepper plants require full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. These plants fruit heavily in genuine heat and slow down fast without it. Soil should be loose, well-draining, and slightly acidic; add compost before planting if your ground is heavy clay. Water evenly and let the top inch dry slightly between sessions. 

Feed every 2–3 weeks once flowering starts, but avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. Mulch around the base to hold moisture and buffer soil temperature during hot spells. The Hot Pepper Tabasco variety handles heat and short dry periods well once it's established. Pick pods at full red for maximum heat. Don’t leave fruits on the plant for too long, as it can slow down new fruit production and reduce overall yields throughout the season. Regular harvest keeps new fruit setting through fall.