The large variety of chili varieties is essentially based on five types. Hobby gardeners value the degree of sharpness as a central criterion for cultivation. The range extends from 1 for mildly spicy to 10 for relentlessly hot.

Capsicum annuum - the type of chili for beginners and professionals

Spanish pepper is the most commonly cultivated in the world. Among the species, this chilli is considered to be so good-natured that it forgives one or two beginner mistakes. In terms of varieties, it has everything a gardener's heart desires.

  • Tequila Sunrise - yellow fruits, 15 cm long (Hotness: 1)
  • Candlelight - small, red pods (Hotness: 2)
  • Caloro - orange, fruity, 10 cm long (Severity: 3)
  • Apache - high-yielding, red variety (spiciness: 4)
  • Jalapeno Jaloro - spicy, multicolored, popular classic (spiciness: 5)

Here you cross the threshold to the very hot to super hot varieties:

  • Yellow Cayenne - long, yellow pods (Hotness: 6)
  • Trifetti/Variegata - purple/red pods (Hotness: 7)
  • Royal black - dark purple fruits, purple flowers (Severity: 8)
  • Chiltepin - tiny red chilies (Hotness: 9)
  • Black Cluster - black, round, super sharp (Sharpness: 10)

Capsicum chinense - Best in class for heat

Hobby gardeners with hardened taste buds prefer to plant varieties of this chili species. Among other things, the incarnation of heat comes from it: the habanero. In terms of care, it is of course considered a bit tricky.

  • Bhut Jolokia - aromatic, orange pods (Hotness: 10)
  • Habanero Red - Mexican variety with red fruits (Hotness: 10)
  • Jamaican Hot Chocolate - Chocolate flavor, dark brown and extra

sharp (sharpness: 10)

  • Katie - European hotness record holder from England (Hotness: 10+)

Capsicum chinense comes in a slightly milder mood from time to time:

  • Vicente's Sweet - Habanero flavor without burning tongue (Hotness: 1)
  • Aji Panca - fruity type of chilli, easy to dry (hotness: 4)
  • Fatalii Brown - brown, 9 cm long pods (Hotness: 7)

Capsicum frutescens - with the balance between the extremes

Among the chili species, the Capsicum frutescens scores with a bushy and at the same time upright habit. Their varieties offer gardeners the happy medium. On average, they contain twice as much capsaicin as Capsicum annuum. At least noticeably less heat than Capsicum chinense.

  • Hanoi Red - a taste highlight (spiciness: 5)
  • Cherry peppers - round, yellow or red fruits (hotness: 6)
  • Capela - robust variety from Kosovo in orange (spiciness: 7)
  • Tabasco - world famous variety, from Mexico (Hotness: 8)

Capsicum baccatum - tiny chillies that pack a punch

It is one of the oldest species ever. Thanks to its tasty pods and extravagant flowers, the Capsicum baccatum has spawned numerous popular varieties.

  • Trepadeira do Werner - juicy pulp with a mild note (Hotness: 4)
  • Aji Cristal - sour-sweet classic (spiciness: 6)
  • Lemon Drop - bright yellow fruits (Hotness: 7)
  • Aji Amarillo - vigorous chili variety with elongated pods (hotness: 8)

Since this type of chili takes an average of 120 days to harvest, it has established itself particularly among enthusiastic hobby gardeners.

Capsicum pubescens - a rarity among the chili species

The hairy leaves give it a characteristic appearance. Since this type of chili is difficult to cross, each variety is hard-fought. It is not just its rarity value that makes the Capsicum pubescens so unique, but also its joy of growth and longevity.

  • Rocoto Canario - vigorous variety with yellow spherical fruits (hotness: 8)
  • Rocoto Manzano Orange - plant with tree character, orange pods (Hotness: 8)
  • Rocoto Peron Rojo - aromatic, bright red fruits (Hotness: 8)

The chili varieties presented are not only characterized by a uniform degree of sharpness. In addition, her consistently purple flowers draw everyone's attention.

tips and tricks

All types of chili can be dried very well. Can't decide which species and breeds you prefer? Quickly grow several specimens. You preserve the harvest in the air or with the help of technical aids.

Category:

Vegetable garden