Rare genetics, healthy plants, and a simple nutrient program have helped Pepper Merchant grow from a backyard passion into Canada’s source for unique pepper seeds.
Husband-and-wife team Mike and Laura, also known as Pepper Merchant, purchased land outside of Ottawa in 2017 and immediately began sampling the soil and preparing for pepper cultivation.
“We started growing them hydroponically inside, then moved to rows in the soil in a traditional farming environment.”
By successfully navigating these hurdles, Pepper Merchant had a wide variety of rare peppers ready for harvest and seed sales in 2019.
Unique Varieties
Mike and Laura have always had a personal connection to and an interest in sourcing rare peppers.
“I love growing straight bells – it’s so hard to beat great peppers,” says Mike. “We’ve always had this knack for seeking unique varieties that you can’t find at large wholesalers.”
The pepper’s versatility and captivating nature make it easy to grow hydroponically, in containers, and even in-ground. Of course, working with nature comes with its challenges, such as soggy spring weather, but Mike says much of it has to do with reading the weather and the plants, understanding soil conditions, and knowing when and how to feed properly.
Nutrient Requirements
Mike and Laura work with pallet racking in the basement, using flood tables.
“We use CANNA rootplugs, which don’t get any algae growth or mold growth; they’re great for germination,” says Mike.
They start seeds in the spring, using their own stock as well as from other international providers, and by April, the plants move outdoors.
Pepper Merchant also uses CANNA Start right off the hop, followed with the CANNA RHIZOTONIC XP product to push roots once they go outside. The seedlings are hardened off using greenhouse carts so they can acclimate for a few weeks before spending the night outdoors.
“Then after May two-four, they’re in the field with the irrigation, and they just start popping,” says Mike.
Mike and Laura use the BIOCANNA line in the field, continuing with their bio lineup until harvest. Pepper Merchant favors the simplicity of using a one-part nutrient, depending on the plants’ cycle. Bio Vega in the vegetative phase and Bio Flores in the flowering phase, rather than a product line with multiple parts. They also avoid synthetics where possible, largely following organic certified practices.
Global Phenos, Local Access
The pepper community is both big and small. That is, very specific and yet widespread globally.
“We trade with other growers and breeders,” says Mike. “Whether they’re in Italy, chasing a specific pheno, or if we really like the shape of a pod and the attributes of it.”
In terms of support and knowledge transfer, Mike finds these interactions essential to their operation. The global community helps enrich their business, which enables home pepper growers to get what they need without garden walls or gatekeeping.
New growers often hesitate, particularly when it comes to irrigation kits.
“It’s daunting because irrigation depends on your flow rate, your pressure, your distance; there are so many variables,” he explains.
Mike encourages a trial period and starting with just a few varieties, regardless of where you’re growing your plants.
“Try it out for a year, see how it goes, and ask for feedback. We love getting questions, and I thrive on our customers doing well.”
Saving Seeds for Success, The Pepper Merchant Way!
In the past, Mike and Laura have worked with beer makers, sold product in spicy drink kits, and naturally partnered with hot sauce producers. Pepper Merchant also sells branded seed dryers and other helpful tools online.
“I think it’s important for people to keep seeds. You never know whether you’ll find something interesting or just want to save seeds for your family or community seed bank. And if we can enable the home grower to do that kind of stuff, I think that’s a win.”
During peak harvest season, with four people working overtime, plants are left as long as possible so the seeds are viable both in terms of seed volume and pods with the best shape. In the fall, they only collect from plants that meet these standards.
The same philosophy extends to the products they choose to use in the field. By relying on CANNA’s propagation products and BIOCANNA’s feeding program, Pepper Merchant has developed a straightforward cultivation system they can trust.
For growers looking to improve plant health, simplify fertigation, or simply grow better peppers, Mike says to start small, stay connected, and trial products for peak performance.
Check out their website for the latest: peppermerchant.net
Seed to Success Series brought to you by CANNA
More from the series:
- Mauve et Herbes’ Will Fournier
- Award-Winning Medical Grower, Formulator, and Consultant, Jose Dominguez
- Verte West’s Tyler Hass
- Origine Nature’s Alex Gauthier
