The world of peppers and the use of common names are in a state of utter chaos. Without any form of standardization from scientists we have been left with no sense or organization. Commercial seed sellers have been left free to make up the rules as they go. What has happened in return is the blatant renaming of varieties by these companies to market varieties as unique to them. By doing this there are numerous cases of the same variety with different names from different seed dealers. The pepper market is now being flooded with unclaimed hybrids, unique named varieties and total confusion by the consumer as to what is what. This is being done in attempt to bypass market driven forces. One dealer might sell red habanero seeds for $2.99 a pack while another will sell a fire red habanero for $3.99 a pack. In reality these two types might be the exact same variety only renamed so that the common consumer believes they are buying something different as to justify the different price and to try and convince you to buy from them and not the other.

Having said this we do have the means to correct these practices. By developing some way of standardizing the pepper system, both from our use of a standardized system and by using our consumer dollars to demand some clarification. I will attempt to form a standardized system for the pepper community to use and list it here. Now I freely admit I am not an expert and completely hope others in the pepper community "including you" will help in this effort. Let me know your thoughts, ideas and complaints. Let's work together on this. Only as a community effort can this be accomplished so your help is not only wanted but it is needed. The system being created here will not be perfect and will not be the end all. However until the scientific community gets off its butt and comes up with a world wide accepted policy, this is all we will have.

What I will attempt to create here is a database of peppers, using a combination of the systems in place already. The first level of which will be the scientific species division. The second level will use the USDA numbering system. Last but yet still important will be the usage of common names. While separately these levels don't accomplish an organization needed. The use of all three together might just help the pepper community clarify many of the 4k varieties out there. This listing on this site is not in attempt to have another unique system different from all others. This is an attempt for all of us in the pepper community to develop a system that will become the standard across all systems, informational sites and commercial dealers. Only with your help and usage of this system can this happen. So you can be an active part of implementing such a system.

Where do we start? Well I feel we need to stop the active production of hybrids that are being developed for nothing less then to have a pepper that is unique to the hybrid developer. These are being created to confuse the average buyer into thinking they are buying a special pepper. Along with the side effects that these hybrids will not breed true and will force you to buy your seeds from the company again next year. Next we need use this classification system among ourselves; if we continue to use the flawed system of seed dealers we only promote the use of such a system. By promoting, using and teaching others of our system we will have the force behind us to make these changes. Then finally we can expect/demand the corporate system into using our system through written letters and email, to not spending our monies with companies that do not use this system.

I call on everyone in the pepper community to help build a system we can use. Everyone from hobbyists such as ourselves, to scientists, researchers and commercial companies. Only together can we all work to develop a useful system and I encourage everyone to participate in making a system that works. Only through the Cooperation of those in the pepper community will we make the needed changes that will help us all.

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