Sweet and Mild: Finding Reliable Seeds for Jimmy Nardello Peppers in 2018
Jimmy Nardello peppers are known for their sweet flavor and mild heat. However, when growing them in 2018, the experience was anything but sweet. The peppers were so hot that even giving them away was difficult. After cutting them up, finger tips burned for days afterwards.
In search of a reliable seed source for Jimmy Nardello peppers that would not be as hot, many forum members shared their experiences and recommendations. It was suggested that something must have gone wrong somewhere, as the real Jimmy Nardello pepper is supposed to be mild and sweet with no hint of heat. Seeds may have come from Sandhill Preservation or Tomato Growers (TGS).
Four plants were grown from TGS seeds - two gave hot peppers while the other two gave sweet ones. This could suggest cross pollination with a neighboring hot pepper plant. Baker Creek had Jimmy Nardello seeds available, which did not have any problems with being true to type. Reimer Seeds also offered zero heat varieties that were delicious and productive.
Tradewinds Fruit and Seed Savers Exchange were recommended as reliable sources for Jimmy Nardello seeds. They both offer good seed counts at reasonable prices, with fresh and viable seeds. It was noted that Joe E Parker Numex looks more like Jimmy Nardellos than the pictured pepper, having about half the heat of a jalapeno.
After ordering from Seed Savers Exchange, it became clear why people love this variety - they were completely sweet with no heat whatsoever! TGS was contacted regarding the issue; however, they simply stated five customers tried them and said they were ok. Their response was considered rude by some forum members.
Overall, it appears that Seed Savers Exchange offers reliable Jimmy Nardello seeds that will produce sweet peppers instead of insanely hot ones. With careful selection of seed sources and attention to potential cross pollination issues, gardeners can enjoy these delicious peppers without fear of too much heat.
What is the Jimmy Nardello pepper?
The Jimmy Nardello pepper is a mild sweet pepper with no hint of heat. It is long, skinny, and wrinkled.
Where can I get seeds for the Jimmy Nardello pepper?
Seeds for the Jimmy Nardello pepper can be purchased from Sandhill Preservation, Tomato Growers Supply, Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange, and Tradewinds Fruit.
Are there any sources to avoid when purchasing seeds for the Jimmy Nardello pepper?
Baker Creek may not be the best source for the Jimmy Nardello pepper as some customers have reported that their peppers were not as sweet as expected.
Is it possible for a Jimmy Nardello pepper to be hot?
Yes, it is possible for a Jimmy Nardello pepper to be hot if it has cross-pollinated with a neighboring hot pepper plant.
How can I tell if my Jimmy Nardello peppers are hot or sweet?
The best way to tell if your Jimmy Nardello peppers are hot or sweet is to taste them. If they are too hot to eat, then they are likely hot peppers.
What should I do if I receive hot Jimmy Nardello peppers from a commercial source?
If you receive hot Jimmy Nardello peppers from a commercial source, contact the supplier and ask for a replacement.
What should I do if my neighbor's hot pepper plants have cross-pollinated with my Jimmy Nardello plants?
If your neighbor's hot pepper plants have cross-pollinated with your Jimmy Nardello plants, you may want to purchase new seeds from a reliable source such as Seed Savers Exchange or Tradewinds Fruit.