Chiltepin Pepper

Chiltepin is a wild heirloom pepper native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, often called the mother of all peppers. The tiny round-to-oval fruits, about a quarter inch across, ripen from green to vibrant red and pack a fiery, smoky-fruity punch. Plants are hardy perennials in warm climates and grow up to 4 feet tall.

At a glance

• Variety: Chiltepin Pepper
• Type: Wild heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO
• Heat: 50,000 to 100,000 SHU, up to 250,000 depending on season and location
• Fruit: Tiny, round to oval, about 0.25 inch
• Plant: Hardy perennial in warm climates, up to 4 feet tall
• Sun: Full sun

Best for

• Salsas and hot sauces
• Traditional Mexican dishes
• Drying and crushing
• Container growing in cold climates
• Wild-pepper collections

How to grow

Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost and transplant after the soil has warmed. Give full sun and steady moisture. In warm climates it lives on as a perennial, while in cold regions it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors over winter.

Flavor profile

Smoky and fruity with an intense, fast-building heat that fades quickly.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based family seed company offering affordable heirloom and non-GMO seeds, with a mission to make home gardening accessible to everyone.