Why are my cherry peppers so hot?

Question

I cut one open, thinking they'd be mildly sweet, took a bite, and for the last 20 minutes I've been running around the house screaming! Aren't cherry peppers mild? I finally took a bite of chicken which seemed to help things cool off.

I do have some hot peppers in the garden, and heard that possibly by cross-pollination they can become hot? Anyone know?

Answer 1

There are different varities of cherry peppers and yes ..some are very hot..this is not a cross pollination problem for cross pollination effects only take effect the next generation if you plant seeds from cross pollinated peppers..It does not effect the peppers while growing....I have cayennes,jalepenos,pablanos, chili pequin and red and yellow bell peppers growing right next to each other in raised beds..so big they actually intertwine with one another..my hot peppers are hot as hades..and my bell peppers are as sweet as can be..now if I plant seed from any of these peppers..I definately know they are cross pollinated..only then..this next growing season would the cross pollination take effect...Here is a link showing hot cherry peppers..You simply picked the wrong variety is all...

http://www.tomatogrowers.com/hot.htm