Chili - Bishop's Crown

OH Native to South America, cultivated in countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia for centuries. Also known as "Christmas Bell" or "Joker's Hat," the Bishop's Crown chilli is named for its unique shape resembling the mitres worn by Catholic bishops. Known for their adaptability to various growing conditions, these chillies are suitable for cooler climates as well as the far north. We are currently growing them year-round in large pots on our sun porch. In addition to their pleasant spiciness, Bishop's Crown chillies offer a sweet and fruity taste, perfect for seasoning vegetables, meat dishes and salads. I read that they even have an intense paprika taste when they are dried, but have yet to try this. I will also be scooping out the seeds and filling them with cream cheese for a delicious snack. Grown in a glasshouse with one other Capsicum baccatum, so a very small chance of crossing (C. baccatum’s are generally self fertile).

Hot peppers take longer and have a lower germination rate than other peppers. Heat does speed sprouting, but it can still take up to 30 days. Sow in August into trays in a glasshouse or ideally on heat pad. Keep soil temp above 18°C for ideal germination. Prick out when true leaves appear to 4cm diagonal spacing. Pot on to small pots to further develop roots. Transplant after last frost to 40cm diagonal spacing into fertile ground in direct sun. They do well in containers and can be grown year round this way in a sheltered, warm and frost free spot.

15 seeds.