Chilli is not so much food as a state of mind
Chilli profiles by our community of home growers, from mild jalapeños to record-breaking superhots. Each one shares how the variety tastes, how hot it gets on the Scoville scale and how it grew in our garden, so you can pick your next plant with confidence.
MyChilliGarden is a community of home chilli growers. How spicy can you go?
Jalapeño Conchos is a thick-walled jalapeño-type pepper grown for stuffing, grilling and salsa. Catalogues describe large, smooth, cylindrical pods and a productive plant. Heat is usually discussed in the moderate jalapeño range; exact figures in listings disagree, so we treat them as reported estimates rather than a measurement from our garden. Appearance Cornell Cooperative Extension […]
Since October 2023 the world’s hottest chilli pepper is Pepper X, at an average of about 2.69 million SHU, well above the Carolina Reaper. Here is how the record chase got there.
Chili enthusiasts searching for a pepper that blends striking visuals with bold flavor need look no further than the Sugar Rush Stripey. This Capsicum baccatum variety features tiger-like red stripes on a creamy peach background, delivers a pronounced sweetness, and packs medium heat—making it a standout in both garden and kitchen. Its high productivity and […]
The Zebrange chili is a hybrid cultivar from the Capsicum baccatum species, known for its fruity flavor and crisp texture. It was bred by Belgian chili grower Laurent Minet, a well-known name among European chili enthusiasts. Zebrange was created as a cross between Aji Fantasy White and Christmas Bell (Bishop’s Crown), two popular baccatum varieties […]
When we think of Capsicum chinense, fiery peppers like the Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, Naga Morich, or even the infamous Carolina Reaper come to mind. But before these legendary chilies take shape, every plant begins its fruiting journey with something small, subtle, and often overlooked: the flower. Though modest in appearance, the flowers of Capsicum chinense […]
The Naga Morich chili pepper, also known as the “Snake Chili,” is an extraordinary variety renowned for its intense heat and exceptional flavor. Native to Bangladesh and Northeastern India, this chili is a close relative of the Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper) and holds a prestigious spot among the hottest peppers in the world. With Scoville […]
When it comes to legendary chili peppers, the Bhut Jolokia—popularly known as the Ghost Pepper—needs no introduction. But what makes the Bhut Jolokia Orange variety special? With its striking orange hue, tantalizing heat, and distinct fruity flavor, this chili is a prized gem for spice enthusiasts. The Bhut Jolokia Orange hails from the northeastern regions […]
When it comes to chili peppers, few varieties are as synonymous with Italian cuisine as the Diavolicchio Calabrese. This traditional chili pepper hails from Calabria, a region in southern Italy famed for its bold flavors and fiery dishes. Loved for its heat, flavor, and versatility, the Diavolicchio Calabrese is a must-have for chili enthusiasts and […]
Ghost pepper, also sold as Bhut Jolokia, is a Capsicum chinense superhot from northeastern India, especially Assam. The two names refer to the same chilli. I have grown it in my garden, including in a pot in 2025, and I find it very hot. I use it in my homemade chilli seasoning, a chilli powder […]
Chilli peppers are the fruits of Capsicum plants, part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) alongside tomatoes and potatoes. They were first grown in South and Central America thousands of years ago and spread around the world after the Columbian Exchange. Some researchers even point to China as a place of chilli origin.
The heat comes from capsaicin, which we measure in Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville Scale. Chillies are also rich in vitamins A and C and in antioxidants.
Our plants want plenty of sun, well-drained soil and regular watering, and they grow happily in pots or garden beds. Follow them through the season in our garden posts. In the kitchen we use chillies fresh or dried: in salads, salsas and stir-fries, in spice blends and soups, in hot sauces and marinades, and even in chocolate. Find our favourites in chilli recipes.
Tell us how it tastes, how hot it got and how it grew for you. We may feature your chilli on MyChilliGarden, with credit.
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