Cajamarca Hot Pepper Seeds – Peruvian Heirloom | 120,000–150,000 SHU (Capsicum chinense)

Cajamarca is a rare and flavorful Capsicum chinense variety from the highlands of Peru, delivering serious heat — 120,000 to 150,000 SHU — paired with an unusual fruity flavor that sets it apart from typical super-hots. Medium-sized plants produce exceptionally high yields of well-sized, attractive pods. Open-pollinated and well-suited to growers who want heat with real flavor complexity.

Variety Details

• Species: Capsicum chinense
• Origin: Cajamarca, Peru
• Heat Level: 120,000–150,000 SHU (significantly hotter than habanero)
• Flavor: Fruity with intense heat
• Plant Size: Medium
• Yield: Very high
• Days to Maturity: 90–100 days
• Type: Open-pollinated, non-GMO

Safety First

Always wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves. Avoid touching eyes or sensitive skin. Lime juice may help neutralize skin burn.

Starting Seeds

• Sow ¼ inch deep indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost (chinense varieties need a long head start)
• Germination temperature: 80–85°F — heat mat required
• Germination time: 2–6 weeks (be patient)
• Soak seeds in room-temperature water for a few hours before sowing
• Use organic seed-starting mix; avoid jiffy peat pots or standard potting soil
• Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil is consistently warm

Growing Tips

• Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil
• Water 1 inch per week; mulch around the base with 1–2 inches of compost
• Add compost to planting hole; feed with compost tea every few weeks in early growth
• Grows very well in 5-gallon containers for patio or indoor year-round growing