Rio Grande, NuMex

Mild Heat

NuMex Rio Grande peppers were developed by the University of New Mexico to resemble a Jalapeño in size and shape while producing only mild capsaicin heat. The thick, meaty fruit grows about 3 inches long, starts green, and ripens to red. They have gentle heat with a sweet, slightly smoky flavor. Common in Southwestern cooking, they add a pleasant zip to salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and work well stuffed, pickled, dried for chili powder, or used in salsa and sauces. Great for short-season climates. Heirloom.

Heat level: 1,000 - 3,000 SHU

Plant height: 24  - 30 inches

Harvest: 60 - 70 days from transplant

25 seeds

Did you know? Humidity can reduce the viability of pepper seeds over time, causing  seeds to stagnate. That’s why every seed pack includes a silica gel packet to help keep the seeds dry and fresh. To save seeds for next year, place the seed packet and silica gel packet together in a quart-size freezer bag, seal it, and store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. 

Share your pepper photos or favorite pepper recipe—and get free seeds!

Pepper photos: Please use photos on the Pequin pepper page as a guide. Submit one photo of your plant bearing fruit and another showing the pepper(s) in your hand. In return, you may choose any three seed varieties currently in stock. Exclusions apply.

Recipes: Submit your favorite pepper-dish recipe along with a photo of the finished dish and choose any three seed varieties currently in stock. Submit an authentic ethnic recipe to receive five seed packs. Exclusions apply.

Please send to: hotheadseedco@gmail.com