Pepper Barker DescriptionBotanical Name: Capsicum frutescens Native to New Mexico. Ripens red and has a pungent heat that makes it still the most popular heirloom pepper of New Mexico, and perhaps the hottest. Pods are 5 to 7 inches in length to 1 to 2 inches in width. Ripens from green to red. Use for Chile rellenos, roasting. canning, and processing. Plant CharacteristicsPlant Category: Herbs & VegetablesName: Pepper BarkerPlant Type: Pepper Mature Size: 2' to 2 1/2' Water: Moderate Exposure:: Full sun Spacing: 24" Soil Type: Clay; loam; sand; acidic; alkaline; well drained Planting Time: April to October CommentsComments: A vegetable native to South America, that grows into attractive bushy plants. Plant outside after last frost or April 15th. Space 1 ½ to 1’ apart. Dig hole 2-3 times larger than root ball. Mix in ¼ to 1/3 compost, backfill, press lightly and water deeply. After a few weeks, before blossoms appear, give the plant ¼ to ½ cup organic vegetable fertilizer. Water deeply and thoroughly and do not allow to dry completely. Too little water will cause “dog - tail” or curled misshapen peppers. To harvest snip the stems with scissors or clippers