Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax'
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper
Open-pollinated cultivar of Hungarian origin; the species C. annuum is native to Central and South America
Overview
Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' is Hungarian Hot Wax pepper (hot banana pepper), an annual growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Elongated waxy tapered peppers 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long with smooth thick walls. Ripen from pale yellow-green to orange to red. Heat increases as the fruit matures: 5,000-10,000 Scoville units (medium heat — comparable to jalapeno). Looks similar to Sweet Banana pepper (C. annuum 'Sweet Banana') — do not confuse; Hungarian Hot Wax is hot (5,000-10,000 SHU) while Sweet Banana is mild (0 SHU). White star-shaped 5-petaled flowers. Dark green smooth ovate foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Open-pollinated of Hungarian origin — seed can be saved. Handle with gloves — capsaicin causes skin and eye irritation. Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Fruit production slows above 90°F (32°C) — the primary limitation in hot climates. Non-toxic (edible crop). Deer-resistant. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar of Hungarian origin. The species C. annuum is native to Central and South America.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Hot wax pepper — 5,000-10,000 Scoville. Open-pollinated. Handle with gloves. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October). White star-shaped 5-petaled flowers continuously. Self-pollinating. Fruit 70-85 days from transplant. Continuous production until frost.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, star-shaped, 5-petaled, 0.5 inch (12 mm)Foliage Description
Dark green, smooth ovate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 8 weeks early. Compact — cage or short stake as fruit loads branches. Pick regularly. Handle with gloves — capsaicin. Fruit production slows above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). Open-pollinated. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove the first few flowers to build a stronger plant. Pick fruit regularly — unpicked fruit signals the plant to stop producing. Remove lower leaves touching soil. No heavy pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons