Item Tag: Seed Savers

Listing is for 20 seeds from my organically grown Chiltepen pepper plants. Shipping via regular First Class Mail envelope is free. The listing photos show some of the actual peppers grown here in NJ in 2022 from this variety. I got over 85% germination rate when checked in November 2023. These are grown outdoors in natural soil in NJ (the Garden State) and absolutely no chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, etc. ever get near my plants. Open pollinated so there is always a chance of hybrids but 90-100% should grow true. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until they are ready to be sown. Chiltepins take longer to germinate than domesticated chiles so be patient and keep moist. You may not see evidence of sprouts for several weeks. Read below for tips on speeding up germination. Seeds are packed in a very small re-sealable zip lock bag and shipped in a regular First Class Mail envelope. The Chiltepin pepper, “chile tepin”, or “Chiltepine”, is a tiny, round or oval shaped, red to orange-red chile, measuring about .8 cm in diameter. It has grown in the wild throughout much of Northern Mexico and Southern United States for generations, and there is much folklore and history involving the plant in the US/Mexico border areas. Also sometimes called Bird Peppers, Chile Pequin, Tepin, and many other names. Growing and germination tips:————————————————————Like many wild seeds, germination of the chiltepin pepper can be challenging. Start seeds in small cups or seed trays by planting ¼” deep in sandy soil. Keep seeds moist, but not oversaturated. Two factors will help – warmth and patience. A greenhouse or grow mat helps with winter or early spring seed starting, or wait for warmer weather to start. Chiltepins take longer to germinate than domesticated chiles so be patient and keep moist. You may not see evidence of sprouts for several weeks. Scarification of the seeds can aid in germination. In the wild, fruits are eaten by birds (who do not taste the capsicum) and the seeds readily germinate after passing through their digestive tract. You can mimic this at home by feeding to your chickens, however it might be difficult to recover the seeds! The seed coat can also be penetrated by gently rubbing seeds on light sandpaper or soaking for a few hours in a ¼ cup of water with a drop of vinegar. In our germination procedures at NS/S we have found that scarification treatments are unnecessary if adequate warmth and time are provided. In the wild, chiltepins grow under a nurse plant such as hackberry or mesquite tree. Mimic these conditions at home by planting under a tree or another area that receives filtered light such as a south facing wall. Chiltepins do not tolerate extended time under direct sun in the low desert. In cooler climates, full sun is appropriate. Soils should be well drained. Plants will range in size from a few feet up to 10 feet tall if ideal conditions are met. Chiltepins are frost sensitive but so long as the root ball does not freeze they will live for years to decades. Prune away frost damage to promote new growth. In colder climates, grow in a container that can be brought inside during the winter. Chile harvest is concentrated around early Fall. Chiltepins (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum), also called chile tepins, are tiny, pea sized wild chiles native to the borderlands though northern South America. Most domesticated chiles and peppers are descended from wild chiltepins thanks to ancient seed savers and plant breeders who began to domesticate chiles 7,000 years ago in central Mexico. Heat level can vary depending on the plant and the amount of water but in general chiltepins are very hot – ranking similarly to habaneros. They have a distinctive smoky flavor. Chiltepins are synonymous with Sonoran cuisine. Typically eaten in as crushed flakes after they have dried or green fruits preserved in vinegar, chiltepins are added to salsas, soups, or cheese. But they can add a special flavor kick to any dish. Chiltepin popularity as a regional spice and importance for agricultural history has earned them a central place in Southwestern gardens. Once established, they are easy to grow and require little care. If you don’t like spicy food, you can grow them for birds who love them! Chiltepins are often called bird peppers. Above info thanks to NativeSeeds nonprofit organization. ————————————————————————————————Shipping only in lower 48 US states. Payment in US dollars from Paypal accounts registered in the USA only. If your Paypal account was not registered in the US please do not purchase but contact me and may be able to set up a special listing for you.