The Chiltepin, often referred to as the "mother of all peppers," is a wild, ancient pepper species known for its fiery punch packed in a tiny berry-sized fruit. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, this pepper is famous for its intense heat and unique smoky-citrus flavor. The Chiltepin is revered in traditional Mexican cuisine for salsas, sauces, and dried seasoning blends.
Plant Features:
- Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet.
- Fruit Size: Small, round berries, about 1/4 inch in diameter.
- Fruit Color: Ripens from green to bright red.
- Days to Maturity: 90 to 120 days from transplant.
Heat Level:
50,000 to 100,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) — intense, sharp heat similar to cayenne or hotter.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Known as the "bird’s eye" pepper due to its wild appeal and spicy punch.
- Bursting with smoky, fruity heat in every tiny fruit.
- Adds bold flavor to salsas, soups, and marinades.
- Drought-tolerant and adaptable to both gardens and containers.
- Grown as a prized ornamental with its compact, bushy growth habit and beautiful red fruits.
Growing Tips:
- Light: Full sun (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Water: Water regularly but avoid overwatering. The plant prefers well-drained soil.
- Soil: Thrives in rich, well-draining soil with compost or organic amendments.
- Spacing: Space 18 to 24 inches apart to allow airflow.
- Care: Keep protected from frost, as Chiltepin is sensitive to cold temperatures.
This heirloom treasure of the southwest is perfect for gardeners looking to grow a pepper with history, flavor, and unmatched heat. The Chiltepin’s bite-sized fire makes it a memorable addition to any spicy food lover’s garden.
Testimonials
My seedlings in a box were perfect. So sorry that most of your products are now sold out. Will definitely purchase again from this seller.
Samira · May 29, 2024
Carolina Reaper Pepper Plants - Chocolate
Transplants arrived healthy…I was fortunate to receive more peppers than ordered. Thank you! Will purchase again!
Rosetta · May 31, 2024
Lunchbox Snacking Pepper Plants
Still going absolutely loaded with blooms. I hope to stick them in a greenhouse and over winter them
Jonathan · August 27, 2023
Datil Pepper Plants
From our Farm to Yours
Matt's Patch offers a carefully curated selection of plants, seeds, seedlings, and produce. Our focus is on providing good food and easy-to-grow vegetable and flower varieties for both novice and experienced gardeners.
If we sell it - we've grown it - and this allows us to offer variety specific growing advice and cut plants from our selection that don't meet our standards. Check out the Garden Graveyard for a list of varieties we no longer offer.
Our Guarantee
Plants want to grow. At Matt's Patch, we're committed to getting you from seed to sprout, plant to produce, and bulb to bloom.
To ensure the best gardening experience for all our growers we offer a money-back guarantee on all live plants if damaged in shipping, check-ins tailored to your growing zone, and a curated selection of the easiest-to-grow varieties.
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The first step to your gardening success is timing. To ensure you receive the healthiest plants and bulbs and have the absolute best chances at success, most of our products are available for pre-order and ship out according to your growing zone.
Seeds ship year-round.
