Ella's Garden Plants from A to Z: Capsicum annuum, New Mexico Barkers, New Mexico Barkers Pepper

Genus: Capsicum

Species: annuum

Cultivar or Variety: New Mexico Barkers

Characteristics of Plant

If you like Anaheim peppers with some heat, this is a good pepper to choose. There are some new varieties out that are extremely hot, but the old landrace from New Mexico seems to be the most popular and best tasting. The plant produces pods that range fro about 5-6" long and that are 1-2" wide. They are thick walled and have good flavor. They start out bright green and turn to red. The pods are good eating and cooking at either color stage. Heat on Scoville Scale 15,000-30,000

Germination Tips: Pepper plants are best started indoors 4-6 weeksbefore last frost.

Life Cycle
Annual

Zone Hardiness up to
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9

Endangered Species
No

Heirloom
Yes

When to Sow Seed
Early Spring
Mid Spring
Late Spring

Germination Temperature
70-80 F

Seed Sowing Depth
1/4"

Seed Needs Light to Germinate
Yes

Days to Germination
10-14 days

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Plant Height
2 - 4 feet

Plant Form
Branching
Upright

Nutritional Needs
Moist

Fertile
Yes

Reproduces By
Seed
Stem Fragments

Potential Hazzards or Invasiveness
Non-Invasive

Cutting Flower
No