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About this seed
Ornamental Shu is a compact pot pepper (Capsicum annuum, family Solanaceae) whose small upright cones turn green, yellow, orange and red, often all on the plant at once. The fruit is edible and hot, at 20,000–30,000 Scoville heat units. The packet holds 5 seeds.
Fruit and plant
- Upright, cone-shaped fruit 2–4 cm long
- Colours change from green through yellow and orange to bright red
- Compact, bushy plants 30–60 cm tall, sized for pots, balconies and small beds
- Sharp, tangy flavour; used fresh, pickled or dried for chili powder
Sow into soil at 18–35 °C
Start the seed indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Seedlings appear in about 8–9 days when the soil is 25–35 °C; 18–35 °C is the soil range that suits pepper germination, so keep the tray inside it until the first leaves show. Cover the seed with about 6 mm of seed-starting mix.
These figures are typical for the species (emergence was measured with seed about 13 mm deep); they are not a test of this packet.
Planting out or potting on
Move plants outside or into their final pots once the soil is warmer than 18 °C. Give them full sun, 30–45 cm between plants and well-drained, fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.0. Water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged; feed with a balanced fertiliser during growth and a phosphorus-rich one from flowering.
What you get: 5 seeds per packet. Pepper seed usually stays usable for about 2 years when kept cool, dark and dry, so you can sow part of the packet and keep the rest. That is a general figure for the species; we do not state a germination percentage for this packet.
FAQ
Is the fruit edible?
Yes. Ornamental Shu is grown for colour, but the peppers can be eaten; expect real heat at 20,000–30,000 Scoville heat units.
When do I pick?
Harvest as the fruit changes colour, at the stage of ripeness and heat you want; green, orange and red fruit can come off the same plant.