2 new ornamental pepper cultivars developed by USDA-Ag Research Service scientists will become available to consumers in 2010. The patented Lil’ Pumpkin produces black foliage and orange pumpkin-like fruit. Patent-pending Pepper Jack bears greenish-black foliage and a mix of both orange and black, cone-shaped fruit, similar to Halloween candy corn. They were bred by ARS plant geneticists John Stommel and Robert Griesbach. The plants were developed with both ornamental and culinary markets in mind. The peppers’ vibrant colors and unique shapes provide ornamental interest and their spicy flavor may be of culinary interest to hot-pepper lovers. The peppers will be marketed as potted annuals. “Similar to culinary peppers, ornamental peppers perform best in high light and warm temperatures,” said Stommel. Lil’ Pumpkin and Pepper Jack have been licensed for retail sale by McCorkle Nurseries in Dearing, Ga.
Photo by Robert Griesbach
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