What are the sun requirements for Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax'?

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' requires full sun.

How much water does Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' need?

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' has moderate, consistent moisture water needs.

Annuals

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax'

Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper

UnknownSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright, bushy

Foliagedeciduous

Height18-24 inches

Width12-18 inches

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' is a medium-heat pepper variety that produces elongated, banana-shaped fruits measuring 4-6 inches in length. The peppers start out pale yellow or cream-colored and mature to bright red, orange, or deep yellow depending on growing conditions and harvest timing. The plants reach 18-24 inches in height with a bushy, upright growth habit and dark green, ovate leaves. The fruits have thick, crisp walls and a moderately hot flavor ranging from 5,000-15,000 Scoville Heat Units, making them spicier than jalapeños but milder than serranos. The peppers taper to a point and have smooth, waxy skin that transitions from the characteristic pale yellow color to vibrant warm tones as they ripen. This variety is prized for both fresh use and preservation, offering excellent flavor for cooking and pickling applications.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum is native to Central and South America, particularly regions of Mexico and northern South America, where wild ancestors of modern pepper varieties originated thousands of years ago.

Suggested Uses

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. The peppers are excellent for fresh eating, cooking, stuffing, and pickling. Use in salsa, hot sauces, stir-fries, and roasted vegetable dishes. The attractive yellow fruits also make this variety suitable for ornamental pepper displays and edible landscaping.

How to Identify

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' can be identified by its distinctive pale yellow, banana-shaped fruits that are 4-6 inches long with thick walls and a tapered point. The peppers hang pendant from the plant and have a characteristic waxy appearance. The plants have a compact, bushy growth habit with dark green, simple leaves and small white flowers with five petals. The fruits are easily distinguished from other pepper varieties by their specific cream to pale yellow color when immature and their elongated, curved shape.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SummerFall

summer through fall until frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• 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 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Time to Maturity

75-85 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' requires warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, as peppers prefer slightly dry conditions between waterings. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or low-nitrogen fertilizer once fruit set begins, as too much nitrogen can delay fruiting. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Support plants with stakes or cages if needed, especially when heavy with fruit.

Pruning

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' benefits from minimal pruning. Pinch off the first few flower buds to encourage stronger root and foliage development. Remove any suckers that develop in the crotch between branches. Late in the season, prune off lower leaves that touch the ground to improve air circulation and prevent disease. No major structural pruning is required for this compact variety.

Pruning Schedule

fall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' fruits contain capsaicin, which can cause burning sensations and irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. While not toxic to humans or pets, the moderate heat level can cause discomfort if consumed in large quantities. Handle with gloves and avoid touching eyes or sensitive skin after handling peppers.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended - requires warm soil temperature

Days to Maturity

70–85 days

Plant Spacing

18 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

basil

oregano

parsley

onions

carrots

Avoid Planting With

fennel

kohlrabi

beans