Difference between Hot peppers & Sweet?

[Greenthumb18]

I started planting some pepper seeds last night. I started 2 varieties, one is a hot pepper called Malagueta the other is a sweet frying pepper called Friggitello. I have one small issue, you know how important it is to keep labels on all seeds you plant to avoid confusion among the varieties. Theirs a slight chance I mixed up labeling my pepper seeds. Since one is a hot pepper would this type germinate last? If so can I use this as a way of knowing for sure which variety is sweet and which is hot? I haven't tried planting hot pepper seeds before, I'm just starting these for a friend. I don't want to end up mixing the plants, since I'm not looking to plant these hot peppers in my garden this season.
Are hot pepper leaves spicy by any chance? I tried to taste the seeds I planted to see if they were spicy, then at least I would know if it was a way to detect varieties between the two. A few seeds did taste quite spicy .
Anyone have any suggestions to help detect which variety is which?

Thanks
I appreciate it,
Mike

 

[thistlebloom]

Oh rats Mike! Usually hots are little slower to germinate than sweets, but I don't think that will be a positive identifier.
do you have enough seeds to plant a few more? Maybe if you planted extra and positively for sure id'ed them then you could compare the leaves shape and taste?
Sorry, that's all I got.

 

[digitS']

As long as those seeds weren't treated, I think it was a clever idea to try tasting them, Mike. That seems like it should be conclusive.

Was there a difference in the number of each that was intended? You needed 10 plants of one type but 20 of the other, something like that? I suppose it would be too good of a deal if the same number of each could be transplanted out and you just wait for the fruit to ID.

Steve

 

[Greenthumb18]

Hey Steve,
Yes those were untreated seeds. I wouldn't try it with treated seed. I did plant about 32 hot pepper seeds and 43 of the sweet pepper.

Mike

 

[digitS']

Well heck's fire.

If they can go into the garden in equal numbers also, if they require the same amount of room, just toss a coin and act totally sure of your ID markers.

As you are loading them in your friend's car, Palm the markers. If something is said about it later, blame the friend!

Steve

 

[Ridgerunner]

Capsicum baccatum
( Malagueta )


Tall pepper reaching five feet in height with dark green foilage and multiple stems. Leaves can measure seven inches in length. An average plant will produce 40 pods. Mature color of pods is red. Shape of pod is skinny and short. C. baccatum is a tall pepper reaching nearly five feet in height with dark green foliage and leaves that measure seven inches in length. These species tend to have a spicy and fruity flavor that goes well with fish. An average plant will produce forty small and oval pods.


Important Info : Growing period is four months. Pods can measure 1-2 inches in length. These species tends to have a spicy,fruity flavor which goes well with fish. Pods measure between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville heat units



I got different results for Friggitello. I found both hybrid and open-pollinated called this. Still, based on the description of the Malagueta, I think Thistle may have hit on your best bet if you have some more seeds. There is a real chance by transplant time it will be apparent or you can at least make an educated guess based on color, length, and maybe shape of leaves. You might just be able to guess based on this description but I’d really like a living plant to compare.


It looks like the mature Malagueta will be taller too, but by harvest just lick a fruit.


We had a discussion on getting the labels mixed up recently. You’re not the only one that gets in this situation. My contribution was, back BD (before dogs) I had a tray of starts on the front porch hardening off and my wife accidentally kicked that tray. I could sort some of the stuff out by leaf shape but some I just knew it was some kind of tomato. We muddle through.

 

[greengenes]

I am feeling quite at home here.
I think the mystery seedlings are a feeling I have experienced yearly.
I would divide them in half. 20 sweet pepper plants is still a lot of peppers.

 

[digitS']

My problem with getting things mixed up is usually in the garden. I have learned to not trust my memory - what seems obvious to me in May doesn't make any sense in July!

Maps just barely work. I can lose the map!

l use markers/markers. Buy the white plastic markers and write on them with real permanent markers I buy from the seed companies. Biggest trick after that is stepping on the marker in the garden so I put it real close to the plant. Then, I never see it again until after the frost . . .

Steve

 

[greengenes]

My problem with getting things mixed up is usually in the garden. I have learned to not trust my memory - what seems obvious to me in May doesn't make any sense in July!

Maps just barely work. I can lose the map!

l use markers/markers. Buy the white plastic markers and write on them with real permanent markers I buy from the seed companies. Biggest trick after that is stepping on the marker in the garden so I put it real close to the plant. Then, I never see it again until after the frost . . .

Steve

I get the really cheap plastic forks ,spoons, and knives at the dollar tree. I put the name in EACH pot now. I figure I can get four uses out of each one if I mark though the old name, flip it over or upside down.
I was using the Popsicle sticks, but they rot very quickly down here.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I put masking tape over the old name when I reuse the yogurt cup if it is for something different. It's not always easy if last years masking tape got dirty but it normally works.