Tabasco Peppers

Capsicum frutescens var. Tabasco

Characteristics

Culture

Named after a state in Mexico, the Tabasco Pepper was made famous being the key ingredient for the hot sauce brand made in Louisiana. Tabasco plants produce loads and loads of small, 1-2″ peppers that are initially green and mature to a beautiful orange-reddish color. Flavor is optimal when harvested at the dark red stage. Plants will grow wide, tall and produce continuously throughout the warm growing season. In zones where frost doesn’t occur, these plants grow as perennials. They’re also great to grow in containers and move inside during frost nights. Plants naturally deter pests, diseases and are fairly maintenance-free. 

Plants should be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. May require some form of support to keep the plant upright.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Tabasco Peppers have a unique smoky flavor, is very hot, and are the key ingredient to the famous hot sauce made in Louisiana. It’s one of the most well-known peppers next to the jalapeno pepper. The fruit is tapered and usually grow under 2 inches long. The color is usually creamy yellow to red, turning yellow and orange before ripening to a vibrant, bright red.

Problems

Click here for more information about disease issues and pests.

Uses

Tabasco Peppers are vibrant red and offer a nice level of heat (registers at 30,000 to 50,000 scoville on the heat scale). They make the perfect pepper for fermented hot sauce or pepper sauce for greens.