Seeds
A striking, heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce with deep red, frilly edges.
Osaka' is a vigorous hybrid hot pepper that produces an abundance of slender, intensely pungent fruits. The peppers mature from green to a brilliant red, packing a concentrated heat that is highly valued in spicy Asian and Mexican cuisines. The plants are resilient and productive, making these peppers ideal for drying into chili flakes, blending into hot sauces, or using fresh for an immediate fiery kick.
Light
Needs full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours a day, for a heavy crop of well coloured fruit. In peak summer a light shade cloth over the afternoon hours protects flowers and fruit from scorching. The fruits ripen from green to a brilliant red, and are best left on the plant until fully coloured.
Water
Water deeply whenever the top 2 to 3 cm of soil is dry, usually every 2 to 3 days in warm weather and daily for pots in summer. Uneven watering causes bud and blossom drop, so mulch to hold moisture steady.
Humidity
Handles warm, moderately humid air, but very humid or very dry conditions can interfere with pollination and flower set. Water at the base and allow good airflow around the plants.
Temperature
Handles Pakistan's heat well, growing from about 18 to 38 C and fruiting best around 21 to 32 C. In 35 C+ spells keep it going under light afternoon shade with steady water, and flowers set again as the heat eases. Sow from January to March, and again in late summer.
Pets and children
The pungent capsaicin in the fruits can burn skin, eyes and mouth, so wear gloves when handling and wash your hands before touching your face. The fruits and plant can irritate the mouth and stomach of dogs and cats, so keep them out of reach.
Soil
Warm, well drained soil of moderate fertility, enriched with compost and a pH of about 6.0 to 6.8. Use garden soil, vermicompost and cocopeat, with a pot at least 30 cm deep for container plants.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced, lower nitrogen fertiliser such as 5-10-10 at planting, since too much nitrogen gives lush leaves and few fruits. Feed again with a liquid fertiliser once the fruits set, and every 3 to 4 weeks after that.
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