Marguerite wrote, > What would be a good choice for a "next step up in degree of >heat" from the Japaleno Pepper? Also, what is the very hottest pepper >that would likely grow in Missouri climate conditions? > What are the best sources for ordering "quality" seeds to plant >in my garden next spring? Besides serranos (an excellent choice!) you might want to try cayennes. There are many different varieties, so you should be able to find one (or more!) that you like. I had excellent luck with Portuguese Red Hots. I don't know anything about the Missouri climate, but it's warmer than it is here (New York), so anything I can do, you can probably do better! Here are some seed sources. The Pepper Gal PO Box 23006 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-3006 954-537-5540 Native Seeds/SEARCH 526 N. 4th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-5561 http://desert.net/seeds/home.htm Davis Plant and Seed Company PO Box 391 Havana, FL 32333-0391 http://www.tallahassee.net/~dpsc W.Atlee Burpee &Co. 1-800-888-1447 http://www.burpee.com I've gotten seeds from both Davis and Burpee, and done well with both. Alex Alexandra Soltow pamra@rockland.net <*><*><*><*><*><*> I do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; I seek what they sought. - Basho