What hardiness zones is Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Wax' suitable for?

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Wax' is an annual vegetable reaching 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall with a spread of 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) and an upright, bushy habit. A Hungarian heirloom hot pepper, it produces tapered, waxy, smooth-skinned fruits 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long and 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) wide that ripen from pale yellow-green to orange to bright red. Medium heat—1,000-15,000 Scoville heat units (SHU)—increasing as fruits ripen from yellow (mildest) to red (hottest). Thick walls make it suitable for stuffing and frying. Days to maturity 60-70 from transplant for yellow stage; 80-85 for red. Growth rate is moderate. Warm-season crop—frost-sensitive. Productive—10-15 fruits per plant.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum originated in Central and South America. 'Hungarian Wax' (also known as 'Hungarian Yellow Wax') is a Hungarian cultivar widely grown since the 1930s.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens or containers for culinary use—stuffing (thick walls), frying, pickling, fresh eating, sauces. Medium heat 1,000-15,000 SHU. Harvest yellow (mild) through red (hot). Hungarian heirloom. Thick-walled for stuffing. 60-70 days for yellow. Frequently confused with banana pepper—Hungarian Wax is hotter. Not suitable for cool climates without warm microclimate or season extension.

How to Identify

Distinguished from banana peppers by the higher heat level (1,000-15,000 versus 0-500 SHU)—the two are frequently confused. Distinguished from jalapeño by the longer, thinner (5-8 × 1.5-2 inches versus 2-3 × 1 inch), pale yellow (versus dark green) fruits. Hungarian Wax—waxy yellow→orange→red, medium heat 1,000-15,000 SHU, heat increases with ripening, thick-walled, frequently confused with banana pepper.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'3" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer

Small, white, star-shaped flowers throughout the growing season. Each flower produces one fruit. Self-pollinating. Continuous flowering and fruiting from midsummer through frost.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; small star-shaped; throughout growing season; self-pollinating

Foliage Description

Dark green; ovate; on bushy branching plant

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 8-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-70 days (yellow); 80-85 days (red)

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after all frost danger and soil is warm 65°F (18°C). Full sun, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Warm-season—frost kills. Consistent moisture but avoid overwatering. Moderate feeding. Days to maturity 60-70 from transplant (yellow stage). Harvest at yellow for mild heat, red for maximum heat. 10-15 fruits per plant.