Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
Capt. Samuel Brown sent Thomas Jefferson seeds of this dwarf pepper from San Antonio, Texas in 1812-13, stating that the peppers were as "essential to my health as salt itself". Jefferson grew them at Monticello and also forwarded seeds to Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon who popularized it as an ornamental container plant. Texas Bird Pepper is a lush, compact plant covered in early fall with tiny half-inch, reddish-orange, extremely hot peppers. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Native Distribution: FL, TX
Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date, transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then transplant outdoors into fertile well-drained soil 2-4 weeks after the last frost. Pepper plants prefer warm soils for germination and growth. Approximately 20-25 seeds per packet.
Share photos of your garden with us! @Monticelloshop #PlantingHistory
