Hawaiian Red Kona Pepper Seeds – Very Hot Tabasco Type (Capsicum frutescens)

Hawaiian Red Kona is an intensely hot Capsicum frutescens pepper in the Tabasco tradition — compact, upright-podded, and a heavy producer of small, fiery fruits. Pods ripen from light green through orange to vivid red, offering a multi-stage harvest window. A great variety for hot sauces, drying, and anyone who wants serious heat from a manageable plant.

Variety Details

• Species: Capsicum frutescens
• Type: Tabasco type
• Origin: USA (Hawaii)
• Pod Size: 1 inch long × ¼ inch wide
• Pod Shape: Upright, medium-thin flesh
• Color Progression: Light green → orange → red
• Heat Level: Very hot
• Days to Maturity: 90+ days

Starting Seeds

• Sow ¼ inch deep indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Germination temperature: 80–85°F — heat mat strongly recommended
• Germination time: 1–4 weeks
• Use organic seed-starting mix; avoid peat pots or standard potting soil
• Soak seeds in room-temperature water for up to 24 hours before sowing
• Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil is consistently warm

Growing Tips

• Full sun, fertile well-drained soil
• Water deeply during hot, dry spells; mulch around the base
• Feed with slow-release fertilizer at transplant time
• Grows well in 5-gallon containers
• Harden off seedlings over 7–14 days before final outdoor placement

Harvest

Harvest at any color stage — green for fresh use, red for maximum heat and drying. Use garden scissors to avoid damaging the plant. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.