Yellow Peter Pepper Seeds – Heirloom Novelty Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

The Yellow Peter Pepper — also known as Chili Willy or Penis Pepper — is a famously shaped heirloom novelty pepper that’s as fun to grow as it is productive. Beyond the conversation-starter looks, it delivers real heat and genuine flavor: mildly hot with good pungency, great for salsas, hot sauces, and pickled peppers. A prolific producer in the garden.

Variety Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated
• Pod Size: 3–4 inches long, 1–1.5 inches wide
• Color Progression: Green → Yellow at maturity
• Heat Level: 5,000–30,000 Scoville units (hotter than jalapeño)
• Days to Maturity: 100+ days
• Plant: Green stems and leaves, white flowers; prolific fruiting

Culinary Uses

Use in salsas, hot sauces, pickled peppers, and ground pepper blends. Heat level sits above Tabasco and jalapeño, so use accordingly. Excellent for fresh use or preserving.

Starting Seeds

• Sow ¼ inch deep indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Germination temperature: 80–85°F — heat mat recommended
• Germination time: 1–4 weeks
• Use organic seed-starting mix; avoid peat pots or standard potting soil
• Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil is warm

Growing Tips

• Full sun, well-drained fertile soil
• Water 1 inch per week; mulch around base with 1–2 inches of compost
• Grows well in 5-gallon containers
• Harden off over 7–14 days before moving outdoors permanently
• Harvest when fully yellow using garden scissors to avoid damaging the plant
• Pick regularly to encourage continued fruiting