Chiltepin Seed

Chiltepin Seed

Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum

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Supplied as a packet of approximately 20 seeds.

Sometimes known as 'Tepin', 'Bird's Eye' or 'Bird Peppers' these grow wild in Mexico and Southern America - in essence this is the mother of all Chillies!

These can prove a little difficult to germinate (unless the seed has been through a birds digestive system) - but certainly not impossible - a little extra warmth and a little more patience is usually all that is needed. In the first year they produce a straggly but bushy plant - and it is rare to see fruit in the first year as well so for UK growers these will need to be over-wintered frost free and grown as a perennial.

When they do set fruit they produce small green marble like fruits, ½" (1 cm) in diameter that mature to a deep red. They have a fiery heat, but in the mouth it is not long lasting before it cools - so this is more like a quick kick rather than a long burn. Traditionally they are harvested by breaking off whole branches from the plant and hanging them to dry before use - but picked and used as a conventional 'ripe' chilli they are similarly a valuable plant for the kitchen and garden alike.

The plant itself grows to around 3 - 4 feet (90 - 120 cm) tall with a spread of around 3 feet (90 cm). As we have said, growth in the first year can be quite lax - however by pruning back by about two thirds for each Winter the following years growth will prove far stronger.

• Origin: Mexico.
• Heat: Extremely Hot.

Supplied as a packet of approximately 20 seeds.

For a little more in depth information on Chiltepin Seed you may find the following articles of great use...
Bee Friendly Plants
How To Sow & Grow Chilli & Sweet Peppers
Chilli Pepper & Sweet Pepper Heat Guide
A Note On Our Seed, Seed Counts & Our Seed Packets
How To Grow Chillies & Sweet Peppers - Part 1 (Video)
How To Grow Chillies & Sweet Peppers - Part 2 (Video)

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