Discover the Leutschauer Paprika pepper, a traditional variety from Slovakia that has been grown in the historic Leutschau region since the 18th century to make paprika powder. Valued for its flavor and productivity, this heirloom pepper is ideal for keen gardeners, fans of spicy food, and anyone who wants to make their own paprika at home.

These Leutschauer Paprika pepper seeds let you grow a variety of Capsicum annuum with elongated peppers that turn from green to red as they ripen. With their thin walls, slightly sweet flavor, and moderate heat, these peppers offer plenty of possibilities in the kitchen.

Tasting notes

Leutschauer Paprika has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and moderate heat that livens up dishes without overpowering the other ingredients. Its heat can vary from pepper to pepper, much like Spain’s famous Pimientos de Padrón.

Harvested when fully ripe and red, these peppers are particularly well suited to making homemade paprika. Once dried and ground into powder, they make an aromatic spice for seasoning meat, vegetables, sauces, and stews.

How hot is the Leutschauer Paprika pepper?

On a heat scale from 0 to 10, Leutschauer Paprika ranks at level 3. Its heat is estimated at about 1,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it a relatively mild pepper with noticeable heat that many people can enjoy.

Its moderate heat and slightly sweet notes make it versatile in the kitchen. It works just as well in family meals as in traditional Central European recipes.

How can you use Leutschauer Paprika peppers in cooking?

With its elongated peppers and relatively thin walls, this variety is particularly well suited to preserving and processing.

• Homemade paprika: dry the fully ripe red peppers before grinding them into powder to make your own seasoning.
• Dried peppers: store them whole or crushed to add heat to your recipes throughout the year.
• Stuffed peppers: fill them with fresh cheese, rice, meat, or a vegetarian filling.
• Oven-roasted or pan-cooked: roast the peppers to serve with meat, vegetables, or summer dishes.
• Preserving: pickle the peppers in vinegar to enjoy your harvest for longer.
• Goulash and stews: use the resulting paprika to flavor traditional Central European recipes.

Growing Leutschauer Paprika peppers

Leutschauer Paprika is a productive variety that can grow to about 100 to 150 cm tall. Its peppers measure approximately 3 × 8 cm and gradually ripen from green to red. White flowers generally appear between June and August, depending on growing conditions.

For the best results, start your seeds between January and April in a warm, bright environment. Germination requires a temperature of 22 to 28 °C and generally takes 8 to 21 days. Using a mini greenhouse and a heat mat can encourage even sprouting.

Then plant them in fertile soil that stays moist but drains well, avoiding excess standing water. Choose a warm, sheltered spot in full sun that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

Plant outdoors about two to three weeks after the last frost, when temperatures are warm enough. Because the plants can reach 1.5 meters tall and bear many peppers, provide a sturdy stake to support the stems and keep them from falling over.

The peppers take about 60 to 80 days to mature, depending on growing conditions and the desired stage of harvest.

Why choose Leutschauer Paprika pepper seeds?

• An heirloom variety from Slovakia, grown since the 18th century.
• A pepper traditionally used to make paprika powder.
• A slightly sweet flavor and moderate heat.
• Elongated peppers that turn from green to red as they ripen.
• A productive variety suited to vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and sunny outdoor growing spots.
• Plenty of uses: drying, paprika powder, cooking, stuffing, and preserving.

The Leutschauer Paprika pepper is an excellent choice for adding variety to your vegetable garden and discovering a traditional Central European variety. Grow your own peppers, harvest them when ripe, and make homemade paprika with authentic flavor.

Leutschauer Paprika pepper characteristics

• Variety: Leutschauer Paprika
• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Origin: Slovakia
• Contents: 20 seeds
• Heat level: 3/10
• Estimated heat: about 1,000 SHU
• Pepper shape and size: elongated, about 3 × 8 cm
• Color when ripe: red, after a green stage
• Flavor: slightly sweet
• Plant height: about 100 to 150 cm
• Flowers: white, generally from June to August
• Sowing period: January to April
• Germination temperature: 22 to 28 °C
• Germination time: 8 to 21 days
• Time to maturity: about 60 to 80 days
• Sun exposure: full sun in a warm, sheltered spot
• Uses: paprika powder, drying, cooking, stuffing, and preserving

You’ll also find tips in our pepper-growing guide and growing journal to help you from sowing through harvest.