Knowledgebase

Help finding a seed source #925007

Asked February 24, 2026, 3:09 PM EST

I am a retired Master Gardener in Whatcom County, Washington State. A few years ago I was gifted a few seeds from a Merrimack county gardener for, of all things, a Merrimack Pepper that was/is an heirloom developed for your climate (cool, shorter seasons). Interesting story to its development. Anyway, where I live in WA along the cost, we have a fairly short growing season and cool summers. The Merrimack peppers did great here! From the harvest I shared some seeds, but then I moved and lost mine along the way. Sadly, nobody else were in the "heirloom seed saving" mode. My original source is gone from the Danbury area. Do you know of a source where I can get some of these seemingly rare, heirloom seeds to start over?

Whatcom County Washington

Expert Response

Hi,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline with your question about where you can obtain seeds for the heirloom Merrimack pepper.  I have included a link to a news article that discusses the plant's development as well as a link to Seed Savers Exchange where perhaps you can purchase them.

https://vnews.com/2019/04/30/rediscovered-after-30-years-the-merrimack-wonder-pepper-is-set-to-make-a-comeback-in-the-region-25080683/#:~:text=Developed%20by%20University%20of%20New,so%20the%20farmers%27%20cooperative%20claimed.

https://exchange.seedsavers.org/listing?p4_listing_id=F50511B4-9DC8-43B5-A50A-8E0E25BF070C 

Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension. Replied February 26, 2026, 9:30 AM EST
Thank you!  Much appreciated!


On Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 6:30 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied February 26, 2026, 8:00 PM EST

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