Atomic™ Pepper

Atomic™ is a compact F1 hot pepper bred for a colorful display and a useful harvest in patio pots or small gardens. Its upright fruit changes from deep purple toward red as it ripens. ## Site and Growth Grow this warm-season pepper in a sunny spot after frost danger has passed. Syngenta describes a naturally dwarf plant about 45 cm tall and 55 cm wide, so allow roughly 18 inches of height and 22 inches of spread. A pot or small in-ground bed suits its compact habit. ## Fruit and Use The tapered peppers are held above the foliage and can be picked as they mature. The breeder lists fresh use, grilling, and freezing, and rates the heat at about 90,000 Scoville units. Color moves from purple toward red, so harvest at the stage that suits the intended use. ## Maintenance Use fertile, well-drained soil and water deeply enough to keep moisture even while flowers and fruit develop. Avoid leaving roots in saturated soil. A light mulch helps conserve moisture; check container soil more often because pots dry faster. [Syngenta’s Atomic profile](https://www.syngentaflowers.com/apac/product/vegetalis/70092267) gives the selection details; [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/peppers-in-the-garden) provides general home-garden care.