Content
Pepper lovers know that this crop is divided into types according to the degree of hotness of the fruit. Therefore, you can grow sweet peppers, spicy and semi-sharp. The main criterion for determining the type is the content of the substance capsaicin in peppers, a burning alkaloid. To find out what species the desired variety belongs to, use the Wilbur Scoville scale. This is an American pharmaceutical scientist who developed a test to determine the hotness of peppers. His last name was taken to represent the unit of capsaicin content. The higher the Scoville number, the hotter the pepper variety. When choosing a variety, you should pay attention to the value on the Scoville scale.
Semi-hot peppers have the distinctive ability to produce a high yield of thick-walled fruits.
Most often they are consumed fresh. They are also suitable for pickling, smoking, and preparations. Such varieties are rarely dried. Thick walls require special conditions for good drying. But when added to sauces, seasonings or dishes, it has an unsurpassed aroma and taste. Growing plants is not difficult, the main thing is to follow some recommendations:
- All peppers have a long growing season. To grow the crop on time, you need to sow the seeds for seedlings early. Already at the end of January, many gardeners begin sowing peppers. It is good to use the advice of the lunar calendar - this will help you choose favorable days.
- The seeds of this culture take a long time to germinate. Therefore, first, pre-sowing seed treatment is carried out and fertile soil is prepared. Another important criterion is temperature. In the cold, seeds will take even longer to germinate.
- Agricultural conditions. Seedlings should be planted in the ground no earlier than the temperature rises to 15 degrees. In cold regions, semi-hot peppers are grown only in greenhouses. The pods ripen earlier than the spicy varieties.
Let's look at the description and photo of the semi-hot pepper variety.
Choosing the best varieties
A description and photo of an adult plant or fruit will help you make the right choice. This way, it will be easier to determine which variety is suitable for the site and meets the request. Plants can be tall or short, spreading or not. The color and size of the fruit also matters. Having chosen the right variety, it will be a pleasure to harvest and cook. Attention should be paid to both domestic varieties and representatives of foreign selection.
"Lightning Red F1"
Mid-early hybrid of semi-hot pepper. The harvest can be obtained 110 days after germination. It is recommended to grow in open ground and film shelters. The bush is spreading, tall - up to 115 cm. The fruits are drooping, long, in the shape of a narrow cone. The pods change color from greenish-white to dark red. The weight of one reaches 130 g. A feature of the variety is considered to be a sharp partition, which adds piquancy to the taste of the fruit. Valued for:
- high productivity;
- decorative appearance;
- nutritional value;
- rich aroma.
Seeds germinate at a soil temperature of at least 23°C.
"Black Lightning F1"
A mid-early pepper hybrid with a semi-sharp taste. Can be grown in greenhouses and open ground.The bush is spreading and tall. An adult plant reaches a height of 125 cm and produces a harvest in 115 days. The fruit is a long, drooping, narrow cone. The color of the pods varies from dark purple to dark red or black. Wall thickness – 5 mm, weight – up to 120 g. The sharp partition of the fruit adds piquancy. It has good resistance to diseases and unfavorable climatic conditions. A spectacular decorative variety that can serve as an original decoration for a table or area. Fruiting is long and abundant.
"Indian elephant"
Medium grade for use in cooking and canning. Grows well in any soil. The bush is spreading and tall. The plant reaches up to 2 m in height, but can grow without tying. The fruits are large, drooping, trunk-shaped with slight wrinkles and a semi-sharp taste. They have a strong aroma. The color varies from light green to dark red. The weight of one pod is 25 g, the wall thickness is 2 mm. The main advantages of pepper:
- excellent seed germination;
- large fruit;
- unpretentiousness.
Productivity per square meter is 3.5 kg.
"Santa Fe Grande"
A semi-sharp variety, the pods are blunt-nosed and conical. The bush is low, up to 60 cm, strong. The color of the fruit varies from yellow to orange-red. Fruiting is constant. Grown by seedlings. Requires feeding during flowering and fruit ripening. Seeds germinate at a temperature of 20-30 °C, the distance between adult plants must be maintained at 45 cm. It is recommended to grow indoors.
"Mulato Isleno"
The variety is of the Poblano type, but with less pungency, more juiciness and softness. The fruits are very beautiful in the shape of a small heart.During the ripening period they change color from dark green to brown. Peppercorns reach a length of 15 cm and a width of 7 cm. This is one of the three varieties that is included in the recipe for making Mole sauce. It is grown by seedlings in closed ground. The harvest is harvested 95-100 days after germination. Planting pattern 45 cm. Requires maximum illumination.
"Numex Suave Orange"
An amazing pepper that has the taste of a habanero without its heat. Specially bred by breeders in New Mexico so that those who cannot eat Habanero can feel its extraordinary taste. In the name, the Spanish word "Suave" translates as soft, gentle. The fruits have an amazing taste with citrus notes and apricot aroma. The plant is vigorous and produces a high yield. The fruits of semi-hot peppers ripen in 115 days. Loves good light, recommended for growing in any soil.
In addition to the varieties discussed, you should pay attention to such semi-hot peppers as "Goldfinger", "Yellow Flame", "Golden Lightning"" These varieties will delight you with beautiful yellow fruits with a pleasant, slightly spicy taste.
