Hot peppers can range from mildly spicy to skin-scorching hot. Weather and growing conditions can effect the flavor and amount of heat, as the fruit will tend to be spicier with hotter, drier weather. Peppers need a long hot season to do well, and a very warm soil to germinate (75-90F). Start indoors well before transplanting, at least 8 weeks. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost, the soil has warmed to at least 60F, and night temperatures are consistently warm--for many folks as late as June. CAUTION: the seeds of hot peppers can irritate your skin, and even a small amount of dust in the air can irritate your eyes, so take precautions when handling and planting the seeds. DUE TO A CATASTROPHIC DAM FAILURE, MANY HOT PEPPER VARIETIES WILL BE IN SHORT SUPPLY OR UNAVAILABLE FOR 2014