They will be at their height of flavor when they have turned deep red. They are probably as hot now as they ever will be. In other words, insanely hot.

It is totally pointless to try to gauge "maximum hotness" with these peppers. Believe me and anyone who's tried them: you won't be able to tell the difference.

BTW, pictures would be good. Let's see!

Dennis

I was always picking them before they turn deep red as Dennis describes. Not because I wanted to, it's just because I always misjudge how ripe they are. I realized everything looks riper than it is on the vine outside.

I starting bringing a fully ripe pepper out with me to compare to the pods to on the vine, most all out of the sun in the shade (which makes them look riper than they really are). If they are a match or very close in color, then I pic. It's important for me to get that deep red for sauce making.