Pepper, Hot 'Hong Gochu Large'

Capsicum annuum

A spicy but not too spicy Korean heirloom pepper, perfect for making kimchee and gochujang (a delicious fermented chili paste). Our strain comes from Adaptive, who originally sourced seed from the Sample Seed Shop, who acquired it directly from a source in Korea. I love what Adaptive has to say about this pepper:

Shiny, light-green peppers ripen to a bright red. After the fruit begin to dry a bit, they turn a much deeper, darker red. Hong gochu simply means ‘red pepper’ in Korean. Our research tells us, hong gochu signifies a category of peppers, so we added ‘Large’ to the variety name to indicate the fruit shape is on the larger side of the Korean pepper spectrum. When fruit are still green they are called put gochu (green pepper) or oi gochu (cucumber pepper) in Korean. At this under-ripe stage they are stuffed, breaded and fried to make a delicious Korean dish called gochu twigim. When fruit are harvested ripe and then dried, the chili flakes or powder adds a nice warmth and rich flavor to dishes. If seeds are removed, the heat is very light. Hong Gochu Large is perfect for kimchi and a great choice for making Korean gochugaru (dried, coarsely ground red pepper flakes), and gochujang (fermented chili paste).

Expected Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) range: 5,000–7,000.

As you can probably tell, I find peppers and tomatoes just as addicting as flowers! My personal pepper collection has grown to insane levels, so narrowing down the PBF seed selection was a challenge, but I've included all of my absolute favorites and some exciting new varieties. From early and reliable varieties to incredibly rare heirlooms in every shape and color imaginable—super sweet to exceptionally spicy, complex and smokey to bright and citrusy, let's go! 

Packet contains approximately 15 seeds.

DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 60 green; 80 red ripe
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 12–18” apart in rows 24–36”
Hybrid status: Open pollinated

SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 80–90°F

How to Grow

Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. Pepper seeds germinate very slowly in cooler soil. When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into 4" pots, bury deeply up to leaves. Grow plants at approx. 70°F day and 60°F nights. At transplant, ideal seedlings have buds, but no open flowers.

Cold treatment information from Johnny's: "Exposing the seedlings to controlled cold treatments can increase the number of flowers and fruits. When the third true leaf appears, grow the plants at a minimum night temperature of 53-55°F (12-13°C) for 4 weeks. The plants should receive full sunlight. After 4 weeks adjust temperature to 70°F (21°C) day and night. If this technique is used, peppers should be seeded 1-2 weeks earlier than usual."

Harvest & Storage

Best harvested at 3–4" for pickling, sautéing, or stir-frying. Wash and store at 45°F and 95% relative humidity.

SHIPPING

FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets

Photo Credit: Adaptive Seeds

FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets

Once an order has been placed, it cannot be cancelled or combined with another order. If there is an issue or error with your order, please email support@petalbackfarm.com and we'll make it right :)