Aribibi Gusano originates from Bolivia (the Amazonarea). It's also known as the Aribibi Caterpillar, the Caterpillar pepper and Turtle Claw. This little, unusual, worm-shaped pepper grows up to 4 - 5 cm tall. It ripens from light green to cream-white till very light yellow. The small plants produce a prolific amount of these highly striking peppers. This very hot pepper has a very aromatic citrus-like flavour with some wood-like undertones. Height: 60 - 90 cm.
Soak : yes
Indoor sowing: january - february
Outdoor sowing: from may on
Germination: 10 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 25 - 30°C
Sowing depth: shallow - max. ½ cm deep
Transplant: after the second pair of true leaves
Plantdistance: 60 cm
Plant position: Hothouse or greenhouse
Days till harvest: 90 - 120
Soak the seeds about 12 hours prior to sowing in tepid water. This softens the seeds and let them germinate easier. Sow shallow - max. ½ cm deep in good sowing soil and cover them lightly. Keep the soil moist but don't let it get to wet. When you can pinch water out of it then it is too wet. Sow in trays or individual pots and cover them with a lid or some clingfilm. Keep moist, but not wet to prevent the seeds from becoming mouldy.
As soon as the seedlings emerge remove the lid or clingfilm. Transplant the seedlings to individuals pots about a couple of weeks after germination. Put them in very deep pots to give the roots enough space. The rootsystem of hotpeppers is very delicate, so you must be very carefull with it. Put the seedlings in a nice warm and sheltered spot. Preferably in a greenhouse or a hothouse. It is important to prevent that hot pepper varieties pollinate with other varieties, so keep them apart from each other. To harvest your hot peppers simply cut the fruits of with a pair of scissors.
