Chiltepin Seed

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 bird's 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 - 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 a valuable plant for the kitchen, and for the garden too.

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 each winter the following year's growth will prove far stronger.

To ensure good germination a constant compost temperature of 82° - 86° f (28° - 30° C) is recommended. Germination can be slow and take three weeks or more.

• Origin: Mexico.
• Heat: Extremely Hot - approximately 50,000-100,000 SHUs.

How Hot Is That?...Chilli Pepper Heat Guide