Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax'
vegetableA medium-heat wax pepper (5,000 to 10,000 SHU) that ripens from pale yellow to orange-red. Milder than jalapeños but with a distinctive sharp bite. Classic in Hungarian and Central European cooking, excellent fresh, pickled, or stuffed. Very productive plants with an upright, tidy habit.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~70 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
18-24 in
Planting Depth
1/4 in seed; transplant to first true leaf
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; side-dress with compost midseason
Fertilizer
Balanced granular fertilizer; low-nitrogen blend once flowering begins
Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Transplant after danger of frost has passed and soil is warm. Plants are bushy and 18 to 24 inches tall, generally needing no staking. Water consistently as the season heats up. Hungarian Wax peppers tolerate heat well and continue producing through summer. Pick regularly to encourage more fruit set.
Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 8
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Inspect leaf undersides weekly; strong water blast or insecticidal soap
Bt spray when fruitworm moths are active; destroy infested fruit
Copper spray at first sign; avoid wetting foliage
Rotate crops annually; destroy dropped fruit
Harvest pale yellow for mildest flavor and crisp texture. Allow to ripen to orange-red for sweeter, hotter peppers. Excellent for pickling at any stage. Peppers keep 1 to 2 weeks refrigerated.
Good source of vitamins C and A. Capsaicin content increases as fruit ripens. Higher potassium and folate than most sweet peppers.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.