25 Chiltepin Pepper Seeds – Wild Heirloom Hot Bird Pepper for Garden Growing

Chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) is a wild heirloom hot pepper native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Known as the bird pepper, it produces tiny, round-to-oval fruits that ripen from green to bright red and deliver intense, sharp heat. These compact, bushy plants are well suited to containers, raised beds, and warm garden borders, where they add both ornamental interest and a fiery harvest.

Chiltepin peppers are a favorite among gardeners who enjoy growing rare heirloom varieties and cooking with bold, spicy flavor. The small fruits are easy to dry and crush, making them a convenient pantry staple for salsas, sauces, and spice blends.

Plant Features

• Wild heirloom hot pepper variety with tiny, round fruits
• Fruits mature from green to vivid red
• Compact, bushy growth habit suited to containers and small gardens
• Produces intensely hot peppers with a sharp, clean heat
• Attractive to birds and pollinators when grown outdoors

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum
• Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates, often grown as an annual
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: Typically 2 to 4 feet
• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start chiltepin seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a seed-starting mix and keep the medium consistently moist at around 75 to 85°F. Germination can be slow and uneven, so be patient and maintain warmth and humidity. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves and nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F, harden them off and transplant into a sunny, well-drained location.

Water regularly to keep plants productive, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly during the growing season. In cooler climates, grow chiltepin in containers and move plants indoors before frost, or treat as an annual and collect seeds for the next season.

What's Included

25 Chiltepin Pepper Seeds.