This is the type of paprika that is squat with many lobes, similar in size and shape to a medium-sized tomato. The Alma Paprika Pepper is the perfect pepper to dry to produce the popular spice but is also eaten fresh, and yields are very abundant so you can use it both ways. Skin color changes from cream to bright pumpkin orange and eventually red.

20 seeds

PLANTING

Caspsicum annuum

Germination:10-14 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 75-85F. Cooler soil temperaturesslowgermination time.

Seed Sowing Depth: deep

Starting Indoors:8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats/cells/pots. Provide 75-85Fsoil temperatures. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer (diluted to of suggested measurement). Transplant seedlings 18-24 apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors:Not recommended, especially in northern areas

How much does a packet plant:20-25 foot single row

Harvest:Use a sharp instrument to cut the peppers from the plant. Pick the first fruits when they reach usable size, this helps accelerate the growth of the other peppers on the plant. Leave some peppers on the plant to mature so they can change color and sweeten up.

Tips:Pinch offearly flowers or tiny fruit on any seedlings before placing them in the ground.The Alma Paprika Pepper should be planted in fertile soil and amended with compostif needed. It helps to use row cover early in the season, giving the plants extra warmth, especially in the north. Side dress when flowers begin to form.