Cowhorn Hot Pepper

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost in a warm environment, as pepper seeds germinate best at soil temperatures around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing ensures transplants are ready to move into the garden once soil has warmed and frost danger has completely passed.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off gradually over 7 to 10 days and only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, whether in garden beds, raised beds, or containers.

Peppers reach full maturity in 90 to 99 days from transplant. Harvest when they've reached full size and have developed their characteristic horn shape. You can pick them at any stage of ripeness; green peppers will be hotter and crisper, while allowing them to fully mature on the plant develops their maximum Scoville heat. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut peppers from the plant rather than pulling, which can damage the branch.

With its naturally upright growth habit, Cowhorn rarely needs significant pruning. You can pinch off the growing tip when seedlings reach 6 inches tall to encourage a bushier, more branched plant that produces more flower clusters and subsequently more peppers.