SCOVILLE HEAT UNITS: 5,000 – 30,000 SHU
CAPSICUM ANNUUM
The Aci Sivri pepper is a Turkish heirloom cayenne type chili pepper. It is a very prolific plant, bearing up to 50 pods or more. The peppers resemble long cayenne chili peppers that grow from 5-10 inches long and somewhat slender. The pods are somewhat wrinkly and twist as they grow.
The pods ripen from green to a vibrant attractive shiny red. They are larger than your typical cayenne pepper, and have a good level heat, though reported ranges are between 5,000 and 50,000 Scoville Heat Units, so heat may vary from plant to plant
GROWING SEEDLINGS:Sow seed in 20-row or shallow flats, 4 seeds/in., 1/4″ deep, in late March or about 8 weeks prior to transplanting. If possible, maintain soil temperatures at 80-90°F (27-32°C). Pepper seeds germinate very slowly in cooler soil. When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into 2″ cell-type containers or 4″ pots. Grow plants at approx. 70°F (21°C) day and 60°F (16°C) nights.
COLD TREATMENTS 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.
TRANSPLANTING: Transplant out after frost when the soil is warm and weather is settled. Ideal seedlings have buds, but no open flowers. Set plants 12-18″ apart in rows 24-36″ apart, or 2 rows on poly/paper mulch, 18″ between plants. Water-in transplants using a high phosphorus solution.