Chilies are perennial, cold-sensitive plants that belong to the nightshade family (Solanazeae).  There are many varieties whose fruits differ in shape, color and pungency. Chillies, like sweet peppers, belong to the genus Capsicum, with 5 different species. The most important is Capsicum annuum, which includes varieties such as Cayenne and Jalapeño. Varieties of this species can be found in almost all heat ranges, except extremely hot. Another species is Capsicum chinense, to which the habanero belong. They originate from Peru and among them are extremely spicy varieties. Unlike the white flowers of the other chili species, the Capsicum baccatum species has yellowish to greenish spots on its flowers. The fruits of some varieties are also striking, hanging from the plant like bells, or 'UFO's' (Bishop's Crown). For the species Capsicum frutescens the flowers and fruits always standing upright on the plant are typical. In Europe, the species Capsicum pubescens is still quite unknown. Since its stem quickly becomes woody, the name tree chili is occasionally used. Striking features of this species are its hairy leaves, blue-purple flowers, and black seeds. The fruits are thick-fleshed and spherical. Excitingly, its fruits can be perceived as differently spicy by different people due to the particular composition of capsaicin and dihydro-capsaicin.

Habanero St. Martin

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Description

Growing tips

Details

Companion Plants

Antagonistic Plants

Diseases

Pests