Botan Kosho Pepper Plant
Botan Kosho is a C. annuum pepper variety, rated mild at 1,000 to 2,500 Scoville heat units. Austin Peppers sells it as a live nursery-grown plant.
We grow and ship year round. We grow out every variety here and check the pods ourselves before we propagate a batch to sell.
Heat Level: Mild (1,750 SHU)
Species: C. annuum
Price: $15.00 USD
Species: C. annuum Mature pod color: Red Heat: 1,000-2,500 SHU (Mild) Days until harvest: Mid 70-80 Plant height: 24 to 30 inches Light: Full sun (6–8+ hrs) Growing temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) Planter size: 1 gallon minimum, optimally 5–7 gallons (19–26 liters) SKU: PP-BOTANKOSHO-A A rare Japanese heirloom from the cool volcanic foothills of Mount Madarao in Shinshu. Botan means peony, for the rounded, floral cross-section of the pod. It opens sweet and juicy, then a gentle, lingering heat follows — sweeter in cool climates, hotter when ripened to deep red. Traditionally grilled, pickled in miso, or used in regional dishes such as yatara and yuzu kosho paste. Only a handful of growers still keep it going. What you are getting: a seedling, minimum 8 weeks old and at least 6 inches tall. It is not a finished plant. It will need transplanting into a container, so choose the container accordingly: these will grow in anything from a half gallon up, but the pot determines the yield in many cases, and some varieties do better than others in a small one. If it is going outside: harden it off first. Give it a few hours a day somewhere sheltered and out of direct sun, and build that up over a week or so before it lives outdoors full time. A seedling put straight out is a seedling you can lose. Feeding: do not fertilise for the first two weeks. After that, use a balanced fertiliser. More on this variety, and on growing peppers generally, at wikipepper.org.
Available as: Seedling
Days to harvest: 70 to 80 days from transplant
Height: 24 to 30 inches
Origin: Japan — Mount Madarao, Shinshu
What it looks like
Ripens from: Green/Mustard
Variety data: WikiPepper, Botan Kosho
Care Guide
Start Growing Checklist
- Use 5-10 gallon container with drainage holes
- High-quality container mix (not garden soil)
- Place in full sun location (6+ hours)
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
- No feeding the first week. Start in week two
Grown for Health, Not for Show
Bulk growers who wholesale to hardware stores ship plants doped with Epsom salts. It keeps the foliage green for the shelf while the plant declines underneath. Artificial preservatives, but for plants. We don't do it. We focus on plant health, not bulk size: our plants grow with mycorrhizal fungi at the roots, and we feed them for steady, healthy growth. We build what lands at your door to keep growing, not to survive retail.
Sunlight Requirements
Place in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also grows under artificial lights indoors.
- South-facing window best for indoor growing
- Rotate plant weekly for even growth
Watering Schedule
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week in summer
- Reduce watering in winter
- Use well-draining soil
Feeding & Fertilizer
Feed with balanced vegetable fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Switch formulas when flowers appear.
- Start fertilizing in the second week after planting
- Reduce nitrogen when fruiting to boost pepper production
Temperature & Climate
Prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Protect from frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Bring indoors if frost threatens
- Happy in a bright window in any season
- Loves humidity 50-70%
Pruning & Maintenance
Pinch off early flowers to encourage stronger plant growth. Prune lower leaves for better air circulation.
- Remove yellowing leaves
- Support heavy branches with stakes
- Harvest regularly to encourage more peppers
Pest Prevention
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspect regularly and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Spray with water to remove pests
- Encourage beneficial insects
- Keep area clean and well-ventilated
Shipping
We ship plants carefully packed to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your garden.
Processing Time
All orders ship on a Monday. Order any day you like. For the health of the plants, we dispatch on Mondays only.
Delivery Time
Your order ships the next Monday after you place it. Faster options shorten the time in transit. They do not change the day it leaves us.
Some Leaf Drop Is Normal
Your plant just spent a few days in a dark box, and that's stressful for a living thing. It's normal for it to shed a few leaves when it arrives, usually the lower ones. That's the plant conserving energy, not a sign it's dying. With light, water, and a few days to settle in, it bounces back and pushes new growth.
Upon Arrival
- Unpack immediately and inspect your plant
- Water thoroughly if soil is dry
- Place in indirect light for 1-2 days to acclimate
- Gradually move to final location with full sun
- Contact us within 7 days if you have any concerns
Questions
How hot is Botan Kosho?
Botan Kosho measures about 1,000 to 2,500 Scoville heat units. That is milder than a jalapeño.
What species is Botan Kosho?
Botan Kosho is C. annuum.
How long until Botan Kosho produces peppers?
70 to 80 days from transplant to first harvest, depending on light and temperature.
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