Zavory Mild Habanero Pepper Seeds

Enjoy habanero’s fruity aroma with a notably milder, more approachable pepper. Zavory produces smooth, elongated fruits that mature from green through warm shades of yellow, orange, and red. The flavor is fruity and slightly sweet, with mild but variable heat, making these peppers a distinctive choice for fresh dishes, soups, salads, omelets, pickling, and brining.

At a glance

• Variety: Zavory mild habanero (Capsicum chinense)
• Days to maturity: Approximately 80–90 days
• Fruit: About 2–2½ inches long, with medium-thick flesh
• Available sizes: 10, 25, or 100 seeds
• Heat: Mild compared with typical habaneros, though heat may vary

Start seeds indoors

Start seeds 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost. Sow about ¼–½ inch deep in moist, well-drained seed-starting mix. Peppers germinate best with warm soil, around 75–90°F; cooler conditions can slow or prevent germination. Keep the mix evenly moist, not waterlogged, and allow good airflow. Germination may take 4–10 weeks under suitable conditions.

Transplant and grow

Keep seedlings protected until they have developed several sets of leaves. Before planting outdoors, harden them off gradually over 1–2 weeks, then transplant after frost danger has passed and conditions are warm. Give plants room to grow and support them as needed when fruiting.

Harvest and enjoy

Pick fruits when they reach their mature color and use clean scissors or pruners to avoid snapping branches. The peppers are flavorful fresh or briefly heated, and also work well pickled or brined. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling, and avoid touching your eyes or face.

A gentler habanero experience

Zavory is a specialty seasoning pepper for gardeners who want habanero-style fruitiness without the usual intense heat. Add a little at a time to your recipes, since heat can vary from pepper to pepper.