Fish Pepper
Heirloom
All-Time Favorite
- Organic
- Plants grow to 2 feet
- Good for container gardens
- Fruits grow to 3 inches
- Plants and peppers are variegated
- Medium hot pepper
- 80 days from transplant
Item Details
The 3"-long, colorful, striped peppers of this variety are borne on 2'-tall plants with beautiful variegated foliage. Traditionally used in oyster and crab houses around Chesapeake Bay, this 19th century African-American heirloom was first offered by William Woys Weaver in the 1995 Seed Savers Exchange Yearbook. His grandfather received the seeds in the 1940s from Horace Pippin of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 80 days from transplant. Medium hot.
Learn to Grow Fish Pepper
Start Indoors: 8 weeks before last frost
Germination: 14 Days
Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart
Light: Full Sun
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm.
Ratings & Reviews
5 reviews
slow grower
by Em8
hotter than a jalapeno and cooler than a habanero
The star of my garden
by Corinne
I grew these for the first time last year, and I was thrilled by how pretty the plants and peppers were. Once they rippened I was even more impressed by the flavor. I have been adding them to pasta dishes as my secret ingredient!
wonderful
by Matt
I've been growing this off and on for years and it's one of my favorites. Grow it as much for the foliage as for the peppers. The variegated leaves and striping of the fruit make it a looker. Great for growing in a pot as it's on the small side. The peppers fall in the middle when it comes to heat - hotter than your standard jalapeno but not gonna melt your tongue.
This pepper has it all!
by Hanz
Hot, tasty, beautiful peppers that have been productive and easy to grow! Usually ornamental peppers do not have the best taste, but these are superb all around. Fruit and plant have unique coloration. I was worried about the leaves burning because it’s been really hot and I thought the white leaves might burn.
Fun to watch and share!
by Kat
I grew these in 2021 from a 2019 packet and they did great! Despite my yard getting minimal direct sunlight, I harvested dozens of peppers throughout the season. This one has a really cool history if you look it up- a fun one to share with friends.