Hot Pepper Hungarian Wax Seeds

About Hot Pepper Hungarian Wax Seeds

'Hungarian Wax' is a smooth, waxy chile (Capsicum annuum) that ripens from pale yellow to orange to red, offering a warm, tangy medium heat (about 5,000–15,000 Scoville). These Hungarian Wax pepper seeds grow into upright, heavy-bearing plants with 5–6 inch tapered pods that are a European garden classic for frying, pickling, and fresh eating.

Who it's for

Great for gardeners who want an early, reliable medium-hot pepper for frying and pickling, even in shorter-season climates.

How & when to plant

Start indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost. Sow 1/4 inch deep in warm soil at 75–85°F; germination takes 10–21 days. Transplant after nights stay above 55°F, spacing plants 18–24 inches apart in full sun. Grow as an annual; best in USDA zones 4–11, and it performs well even where summers are shorter.

Harvest

Pods are ready in about 65–75 days from transplant—earlier than many hot peppers. Pick yellow for mild, tangy flavor or let them ripen orange-red for more heat and sweetness. Harvest often to keep plants productive.

Benefits & uses

Hungarian Wax peppers are excellent for frying, roasting, pickling, and stuffing, and add a bright kick to sandwiches and salads. Their early ripening makes them a dependable choice for cooler regions.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Hungarian Wax?
Medium—about 5,000–15,000 Scoville, hotter than a jalapeno when fully ripe.

Is it good for short seasons?
Yes—it ripens early, around 65–75 days, making it reliable in cooler climates.

When do I pick for milder flavor?
Harvest while still yellow for the mildest, tangiest taste.

Growing guide: New to this variety? Read our full guide, How to Grow Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper From Seed, for step by step sowing, spacing, and harvest tips.