Hot Pepper Seeds,
Black Hungarian

Black Hungarian peppers are best started indoors about 8–12 weeks before the last expected frost. This early indoor start helps the seedlings establish well before being transplanted outside. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant the plants outdoors. In USDA zones with shorter growing seasons, transplanting at the first possible opportunity can help extend the fruiting period and ensure a successful yield​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds indoors at a depth of 1/4 inch in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Germination takes 7-10 days, ideally at a soil temperature of 80-85 F. When transplanting, place the seedlings 14-18 inches apart in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Black Hungarian peppers also adapt well to container gardening, so if you choose to grow them in pots, select containers with a depth of at least 12 inches for optimal root growth​.

Black Hungarian peppers grow best in full sun and need 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. During hot weather, adding mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced formula, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to encourage fruiting. As plants mature, support them with stakes or cages if branches become heavy with fruit​.

• Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
• To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
• To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
• It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
• Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
• Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.