About this seed

Habanero Red is a very hot habanero (Capsicum chinense, family Solanaceae), rated at 150,000–350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Small lantern-shaped fruits turn from green to red on a compact plant of 60–90 cm. The packet holds 5 seeds.

Also known as: Habanero, Chile habanero (Spanish, Mexico), Piment habanero (French), Mirchi (Hindi), Milagai (Tamil), Mulaku (Malayalam), Chile (Spanish), Piment (French), Peperoncino (Italian), Pimenta (Portuguese), Chili (German), Prik (Thai).

Fruit and plant

Fruit: lantern-shaped, 2.5–5 cm long, 10–15 g.
Colour: green, ripening to red.
Heat: 150,000–350,000 SHU, with a fruity, citrus taste.
Plant: compact, 60–90 cm.

The habanero type traces back to the Amazon region and is widely grown in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Start indoors in warm soil

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date and keep the soil at 24–30 °C until seedlings appear. Sow about 0.5 cm deep in well-draining seed-starting mix.

Planting out and harvest

Move seedlings outdoors once the weather is consistently warm, with temperatures above 20 °C. Space plants 30–45 cm apart in full sun, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and feed with a balanced fertilizer during the season. Fruit matures in about 90–100 days.

Harvest when the fruit is fully red for the most flavour and heat.

Kitchen use

Habanero Red goes into hot sauces, salsas and marinades and, in small amounts, soups and stews.

What you get

5 seeds of Hot Pepper Habanero Red.

FAQ

How hot is Habanero Red?

150,000–350,000 SHU.

When do I move it outside?

When temperatures stay above 20 °C.

When is it ripe?

When fully red, about 90–100 days.