Welcome to the Pepper Patch
Posted by Jessie Jacobson on May 8th 2026
Pepper Varieties Available at Tonkadale this Spring
The diversity and flavor profile of peppers is quite incredible. They can be crisp, sweet, fruity, floral, pungent, and of course spicy - and are used in most cuisines around the world. At Tonkadale, we offer a wide variety of peppers for you to grow and enjoy in either gardens or containers.
Pepper Basics
If you want the best chance for beautifully ripe peppers, get your transplants in the ground as soon as the danger of frost has passed. In the Twin Cities, our last average frost date is May 15th. Peppers are a warm season crop, so it is best to wait for the ground to warm up and for the sun to shine before planting out.
Plant peppers in full sun gardens, raised beds, or containers. Make sure to amend gardens and raised beds with compost. When planting in containers or raised beds, we recommend using our organic house blend of potting soil, Tonka Terra. Adding Wiggle Worm Worm Castings or Garden Tone is a great way to give peppers the nutritional jump start they need. Plant peppers 12-18" apart in the ground/raised bed or individually in a 12-14" container.
Depending on the variety of peppers you choose to grow, harvest time can range from 60-110 days. For seeds started indoors and transplanted into the garden, days to harvest is calculated from the transplanting date into the garden to the days the variety should mature and may be harvested. Hot peppers need the most heat to mature, while sweet peppers will be ready earlier in the season. Optimal flavor and spice really depends on what kind of growing season we experience. Soil composition, temperature, and drought tend to increase pepper pungency.
The spiciness in peppers is due to capsaicin, an alkaloid in peppers that causes the sensation of spice. It is found in the placental tissues, internal membrane, and to a lesser extent, the fleshy parts of the pepper fruit. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation which is actually a pain response, not an actual flavor sensation.
Pungency, spiciness, or the heat of chili peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and is based on the concentration of capsaicin. For example, bell peppers have a Scoville Rating of 100 while ghost peppers can range from 750,000 to over 1,000,000.
All peppers are part of the genus Capsicum. Peppers grown in home gardens are generally cultivars of Capsicum annuum, Capsicum chinense, and Capsicum frutescens.
Capsicum annuum
This is the most commonly cultivated species of pepper and is native to North America, the Caribbean, and South America. This species includes both mild and hot peppers such as bell peppers and jalapenos.
Capsicum chinense
This species of pepper is commonly known as the habanero-type and is native to North, Central, and South America. The hottest peppers in the world are members of this species and include fatalii, ghost pepper, and scotch bonnet.
Capsicum baccatum
This species originates in Peru and the Andean region in South America. They are typically associated with Peruvian cuisine, and are typically considered part of the condiment trinity along with red onion and cilantro. Their shape is unique and distinct to this species - and usually shaped like caps or hats.
Capsicum frutescens
Peppers of the Capsicum frutescens species likely originated in South or Central America. Unlike other peppers, the fruit of these varieties are erect and abundant, producing up to 120 pods in a season and are mildly spicy. Peppers of this species include Tabasco.
Let's meet our pepper line-up!
Anaheim
Anaheim peppers have thick, mildly hot flesh making them great for stuffing, grilling, and roasting. Their 6-8" long fruits ripen from green to red, but are almost always used green.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Stuffing, roasting, grilling | 6 - 10 in | 78 | 500-2,500 | Subtly sweet, mildly spicy |
Ancho Gigantea (Poblano)
This rich, poblano-type pepper is one of the most commonly used peppers in Mexican cuisine. When harvested green, they can be used for roasting and stuffing. When allowed to ripen to red, they can be dried and used as ancho chiles.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Sauce, soup, chile relleno | 4 - 6 in | 90 | 1,000 - 2,000 | Smoky, yet sweet |
California Wonder
The standard bell pepper for many decades, this 1928 introduction is still the largest open-pollinated, heirloom bell you can grow. Perfect stuffing pepper. Blocky 4" by 4", thick-walled, tender, and flavorful.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Stuffing, general use | 4-5 in | 75 | 0 - 100 | Crisp, mild, sweet |
Candy Cane
A stunning ornamental snacking pepper with elongated fruits that start green with creamy white striping before ripening to deep chocolate-cherry red. Crisp, juicy, and incredibly sweet with almost no heat. Compact plants are highly productive and beautiful in containers, raised beds, and edible landscapes. Perfect for fresh snacking, veggie trays, and lunchbox peppers.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Snacking | 2 - 3 in | 65 - 75 days | 0 | Sweet |
Carolina Reaper
The Reaper is named for the scythe-like tip that it produces. It is considered the hottest pepper in the world, and while completely edible, might best be enjoyed in small amounts. Fruity up front followed by scorching heat, one pepper can flavor hundreds of dishes.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum chinense | Hot sauce, chili powder | 2 - 3 in | 90 | 1.5 MM - 2 MM | Fruity, extremely spicy |
Cayenne Long Red
Cayenne is one of the best-known hot chili peppers. Producing an abundance of wrinkled fruits that grow 5-6" long, the fruits have thin flesh and are used fresh in hot sauces or dried and ground for cayenne pepper.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Hot sauce, dried, ground | 6 - 8 in | 75 | 30,000-50,000 | Medium heat, peppery, neutral |
Chile Grande (Aneheim)
This pepper produces good yields of 6" long hot peppers. Chili Grande peppers are very spicy, and turn from green to bright red when mature. Plant has green stems, green leaves, and white flowers.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Spicy salsa, seasonings | 6 in | 85 | 500 - 1,500 | Very spicy |
Ghost/Bhut Jolokia
Legendary variety that is one of the world’s hottest peppers. Starts out slow but eventually makes 4' tall plants in favored locations. Thin walled, wrinkled, pointed fruits reach 2-3" in length, ripening mostly to red.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum x frutescens | Hot sauce | 2 - 3 in | 100-120 | 1 MM | Extremely spicy |
Habanero Helios
Medium, dark orange fruit with blunt ends. High yields, and an early concentrated set of peppers on a medium compact plant.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum chinense | Spicy salsa, seasonings | 3 in | 90 | 75,000 | Very spicy, fruity, floral |
Habanero Primero Red
Early-ripening habanero with citrusy flavor and strong heat. One of the earliest ripening habaneros with large fruit and 1/3 the heat.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum chinense | Spicy salsa, seasonings | 2 in | 90 | 200,000 - 350,000 | Very spicy, fruity, floral |
Holy Moly (Pasilla)
Gourmet quality, chocolate-brown fruits are bright green at early maturity then darken to warm brown over the next 2 weeks. Distinctive, but not overly spicy. Used as a staple in Mexican mole sauce and many other dishes.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Mole, sauces, powder | 7 - 9 in | 85 | 1000 - 2,000 | Smoky, not too spicy |
Hungarian Sweet Banana
Hungarian Sweet Banana produces unsurprisingly, banana-shaped fruits that are 6-8" long with a delightful bright waxy-yellow color, changing to a bright scarlet red as they ripen.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Pickling, frying | 6 - 8 in | 70 | 0 - 500 | Sweet, mildly spicy |
JalapeƱo
Classic hot pepper. Perfect for salsa, or stuffing as poppers. Easy to grow in any sunny garden or large patio pot, these peppers can be harvested throughout the summer when they are green or red.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Salsa, poppers, stuffing | 3 - 4 in | 80 | 3,000 - 8,000 | Zesty and spicy |
JalapeƱo Popper Jalmundo
Giant jalapeño peppers bred specifically for stuffing and grilling. Thick-walled fruits can grow up to 5" long with classic jalapeño flavor and moderate heat. Excellent for jalapeño poppers, smoking, roasting, nachos, salsa, and pickling. Heavy yields on vigorous plants make this a favorite for gardeners who love cooking with fresh peppers.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Salsa, poppers, stuffing | 5 in | 70 - 80 | 5,000 | Zesty and spicy |
Jamaican Scotch Bonnet
Closely related to the habenero, but with a sweeter, citrusy flavor. Still extra hot, and with a more stout shape.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum chinense | Hot sauce, fresh eating | 1 - 2 in | 95 | 10,000-350,000 | Sweet, fruity, spicy |
Lemon Drop
Bright yellow heirloom peppers from Peru with vibrant, citrusy flavor and lively heat. The narrow pendant fruits have a fruity, tropical aroma that shines in salsa, hot sauce, ceviche, and other seafood dishes. Plants are tall, productive, and loaded with colorful peppers late into the season.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Salad, snacking | 2 -3 in | 90 - 100 | 15,000 - 30,000 | Citrus |
Lesya
This pepper is believed to be the sweetest of all peppers. Heart-shaped fruit ripens to deep red when ripe. Intensely juicy texture. High yielding.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Salad, snacking, stuffed | 3 - 4 in | 80 | 0 | Very mild and sweet |
Mad Hatter
A unique, wing-shaped pepper with a sweet, fruity flavor and only a touch of heat near the seeds. The playful three-sided fruits mature from green to bright red, and are incredibly productive. Delicious fresh, stuffed, pickled, or added to charcuterie boards. One of the best conversation-starter peppers in the garden.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum baccatum | Garnish, snacking, charcuterie | 2 - 3 in | 85 - 95 | 500 | Fruity, spicy |
Marconi
Long, tapered Italian frying peppers with thin skin, rich sweetness, and outstanding flavor. Fruits grow up to 10" long and mature from green to red. Exceptional for grilling, sautéing, roasting, sandwiches, pizza, and fresh eating. Productive plants continue producing through Summer heat.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Frying, grilling | 8 - 10 in | 75 | 0 | Sweet |
Orange Bell
Orange bell peppers are plump, crisp, and fruity. They are ideal for stuffing, roasting, and sautéing.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Salad, fresh, stuffing | 4 in | 80 | 100 | Very mild and sweet |
Padron
Famous Spanish tapas peppers traditionally blistered in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Most peppers are mild and nutty, but occasionally one surprises you with extra heat. Small, tender fruits are best harvested young and green. Highly productive compact plants are perfect for containers and kitchen gardens.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Frying, tapas | 2 - 4 in | 60 - 70 | 0 | Mild, occasionally spicy |
Pepperoncini
Mild, tangy Italian peppers commonly used for pickling and antipasto. Thin-walled fruits are slightly sweet with just a touch of heat. Excellent fresh, pickled, grilled, or sliced onto sandwiches, salads, pizza, and charcuterie boards. Heavy-yielding plants produce continuously through the season.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Pickling, antipasti | 2 - 5 in | 60 - 70 | 100 - 500 | Tangy, mild |
Red Beauty
An early, prolific variety bearing very sweet four-lobed peppers with thick walls. These brilliant, bright red bells are juicy and sweet. Widely adapted and easy to grow. The peppers turn from green to red when mature.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Fresh, stuffed | 6 in | 75 | 0 | Bright, fresh |
Serrano
Hails from the foothills of Puebla, Mexico. Flavor is bright and biting, with a delayed fuse. Unripe peppers are green and ripen into a kaleidoscope of colors: red, brown, orange, and yellow.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Fresh, salsa, guacamole | 2 - 4 in | 75 | 10,000-23,000 | Bright, biting, spicy |
Shishito
A favorite among chefs with a mildly spicy flavor that is great fried, grilled, and blistered. A Japanese frying pepper with thin skin.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Fried, grilled, blistered | 2 - 4 in | 60 | 50 - 200 | Mildly spicy |
Sugar Rush Peach
A surprising combination of fruit and fire. Fruit is full of tropical flavor, while seeds bring a smoky, complex heat. Super high yields.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum baccatum | Sauce | 2 - 4 in | 60 - 80 | 50,000-100,000 | Fruity fire, tropical, smoky |
Super Hungarian Hot
Early, large-shouldered, very hot, tapered fruit. Bright creamy-yellow color.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Pickling, frying | 5 - 6 in | 70 | 5,000-15,000 | Sweet, hot, tangy |
Tabasco
This pepper needs no introduction since becoming the famous ingedient in the famous sauce. Peppers mature from yellow-green to orange to red and have a unique, smoky flavor that contributes to Tabasco's distinctive taste.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum frutescens | Sauce, dried, fermented | 2 in | 80 | 30,000-50,000 | Smoky and spicy |
Thai Dragon
Extremely productive plants covered in slender, upright hot peppers that ripen from green to bright red. Peppers pack intense, clean heat and are excellent for stir fry, curry, chili oil, drying, and hot sauces. Great for gardeners looking for high yields and authentic Asian-style heat.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Stir fry, drying, chili oil | 3 - 4 in | 75 - 80 | 50,000 - 100,000 | Fiery, hot |
Yum Yum Mix
Compact plants loaded with mini sweet peppers in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Thick-walled fruits are exceptionally crisp, juicy, and sweet. Perfect for fresh snacking, lunchboxes, grilling, and container gardening! Earlier to mature than full-sized bell peppers, and highly productive all summer long.
| Species | Use | Fruit Size | Days to Harvest | Scoville Rating | Flavor |
| Capsicum annuum | Snacking | 2 - 3 in | 55 - 65 | 0 | Sweet |
If you have any questions about the pepper varieties we are carrying this season, feel free to stop in and ask! Otherwise, email us at hello@tonkadale.com - we're here to help!
See you at Tonkadale!