Capsicum annuum ‘Chili Pequin’
Overview
Uses: Fresh peppers, drying and smoking, hot sauces, salsas, spice blends, container gardens, vegetable beds
Benefits: Small, intensely hot peppers with a smoky, citrus-leaning flavor, compact plants with strong branching, reliable yields in summer heat
USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Annual
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — compact bush-form plant
Bloom Color: White
Mature Height: 18–24 inches
Mature Width: 14–18 inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Chili Pequin produces small but powerful peppers prized for their bold heat and distinctive flavor. Though the fruit is often less than an inch long, its intensity and depth make it a standout choice for culinary gardens.
Peppers mature from green to bright red and deliver noticeable heat balanced by a subtle smoky character. This variety performs especially well during hot summers, continuing to set fruit when temperatures rise.
Its compact, bushy structure makes it suitable for raised beds, traditional vegetable plots, or large patio containers where space may be limited but flavor is not.
Care
Chili Pequin Care
Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong growth and consistent fruit production.
Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during establishment, keeping soil evenly moist but never saturated. Once established, moderate and consistent watering supports steady fruiting.
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer at planting or early in the growing season to encourage healthy foliage and fruit development.
Harvest peppers once they reach full red color for peak flavor and heat.
Container Growing
Chili Pequin performs well in large containers with drainage holes. Container-grown plants will require more frequent watering, especially during periods of summer heat.
Use high-quality potting mix and fertilize consistently throughout the growing season, as nutrients leach more quickly from containers.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Chili Pequin for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Each plant is well-rooted and appropriately sized for its container. If you have specific sizing questions, please contact us for additional details.
How Large Does Chili Pequin Grow?
Mature plants typically reach 18–24 inches tall and 14–18 inches wide, forming a compact, rounded structure that supports heavy fruit production.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
- Chili Pequin
- Chile Pequin
- Bird Pepper
- Turkey Pepper
How hot is Chili Pequin compared to other peppers?
This variety typically ranges between 30,000 and 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), placing it well above jalapeños in heat intensity while maintaining distinct flavor complexity.
Is Chili Pequin suitable for small gardens?
Yes. Its compact growth habit makes it well suited for patio containers, raised beds, and smaller growing spaces.
Where can I explore more edible plants?
You can browse our full selection of Annual Vegetable Plants and Fruit & Vegetable Plants for additional varieties suited to home gardens.
