Chiltepin Hot Pepper Seeds – Wild Tepin Chili, Heirloom Non-GMO, 25 Seeds

Chiltepin, also known as wild tepin or bird pepper, is a small but mighty hot pepper prized for its intense heat and rich, smoky flavor. This heirloom variety produces tiny, round chilies that pack a fiery punch, making them a favorite for hot sauces, salsas, and spicy seasonings. The compact plants are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, where they grow as hardy perennials in warm climates and as annuals elsewhere. Their bushy habit and small, glossy peppers also make them an attractive addition to container gardens and sunny borders.

Whether you are a chili enthusiast or a gardener looking to add a touch of heat to your harvest, chiltepin peppers offer a rewarding growing experience. The plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established and can produce an abundance of peppers throughout the season. Use them fresh, dried, or crushed to add a bold kick to your favorite dishes.

Plant Features

• Extremely hot peppers with a rating of 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units
• Compact, bushy plants that grow well in containers or garden beds
• Heirloom, non-GMO variety with tiny, round peppers
• Attracts birds and pollinators to the garden
• Peppers can be used fresh, dried, or ground into powder

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum
• Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates, annual elsewhere
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 as perennial
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 2-3 feet
• Germination Requirements: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; soil temperature 75-85°F
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start chiltepin seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, using a seed-starting mix and keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bottom heat to maintain a soil temperature of 75-85°F for best germination, which can take 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings have several true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, harden them off gradually before transplanting into the garden or containers.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering; chiltepin peppers are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Peppers can be harvested when they turn bright red and are fully ripe, typically 80-100 days after transplanting.

What's Included

This listing includes 25 Chiltepin Hot Pepper seeds.