Pepper - Iko Iko

Minimum Seed Count: 10

Iko Iko is a very rare sweet pepper variety that brings an incredible display of color to the garden! This unusual pepper produces an abundance of slender, elongated fruits that mature through beautiful shades of purple, pink, orange and finally red. The fruits can create a multicolored display on the plant as pods mature at different times, making Iko Iko an especially interesting variety for collectors and gardeners. Productive plants continue producing throughout the growing season, providing plenty of colorful pods for fresh use, cooking, sauces, and preserving.

Plant Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Plant Type: Annual pepper
• Days to Maturity: 75–90 days from transplant
• Fruit Shape: Elongated, slender pods
• Fruit Color: purple, pink, yellow, orange and red as they mature
• Growth Habit: Upright, branching plants
• Light Requirements: Full sun

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost.
• Soil temperatures should be maintained around 75–85°F for best germination.
• Plant seeds approximately ¼ inch deep.
• Keep the seed-starting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
• Provide strong light once seedlings emerge.

Planting

• Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• Harden plants off for 7–10 days before transplanting.
• Choose a location receiving full sun.
• Space plants approximately 18–24 inches apart.
• Grow in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
• Warm temperatures
• Fertile, well-drained soil
• Consistent moisture
• Protection from frost and cold temperatures

Care

• Water deeply and consistently throughout the growing season.
• Avoid allowing plants to remain in soggy soil.
• Fertilize periodically once plants become established.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Staking or caging may be helpful when plants become heavily loaded with peppers.

Harvesting

• Harvest peppers once they reach the desired size and color.
• Pods can be picked green or allowed to mature through their later colors.
• For the fullest mature color and flavor, allow peppers to ripen fully on the plant.
• Use scissors or pruning shears when harvesting to avoid damaging the branches.
• Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production.

History

Iko Iko is a rare pepper variety prized by collectors for its unusual coloration and productive nature. Its ability to produce fruits in multiple stages of maturity gives the plant an especially colorful appearance throughout the season. Varieties like Iko Iko are valued by seed collectors and gardeners for preserving unusual pepper genetics and adding diversity to the home garden.