NuMex Nematador

• Grown, sold, and described by Bunny Hop Seeds
• Time to maturity: midseason
• Heat: very hot (around 16,000 SHU)
• Approx. number of seeds per pack: 20+
• Capsicum annuum
• Bagged Bloom Seeds

“NuMex Nematador” is probably the best hot cayenne that I have grown. This variety comes from careful pedigree breeding by the New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment Station in an attempt to create a large, thick, cayenne pepper that is highly resistant to southern root-knot nematode that is found in the soil of New Mexico. The plant is large and prolific, with the peppers of such a size that you can make plenty of mash for fermented hot sauce with just one plant. The fruits have similar size, fire-red color, and shape of parent “Large Thick Cayenne.” Unlike Large Thick Cayenne, which is about 9,700 SHU, NuMex Nematador is roughly 16,000 SHU. This is a cayenne for those who like a true cayenne heat and flavor…which makes me think that everyone I grew up with in Louisiana ought to try it. But why is this nematode resistance so important? Growers in favor of non-toxic growing methods can be glad to learn that New Mexico growers of NuMex Nematador will not need to do an annual pre-planting soil fumigation, which is normally a commercial means of combating southern root-knot nematode. (article with full information – DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.38.4.631)