Wild Chili (Capsicum rhomboideum) - Seeds - Robust wild chili with sweet-fruity fruits and absolutely no heat

Capsicum rhomboideum is an absolute botanical rarity and a true highlight for any nightshade collection. Although it belongs to the pepper and chili genus, this wild species produces no capsaicin at all and is therefore completely heat-free, giving its pea-sized berries a wonderfully sweet and fruity flavor. It is visually striking due to its unusual, rhomboid, and slightly hairy leaves, as well as delicate, bright yellow flowers that are almost never found on cultivated chili peppers. Countless small, bright red fruits develop from these beautiful blossoms. I selected this rarity for my range because it perfectly represents the incredible diversity of the Solanaceae family and makes a fantastic impression both as an ornamental plant and as an unusual snack straight from the bush.

Scope of delivery: 10 seeds each

This wild chili grows as a spreading, strongly branched shrub and, with good care, reaches a remarkable height of 1.5 to 2 meters. It is surprisingly robust for a chili and relatively cold-tolerant, meaning it easily survives cool late-summer nights. It loves a bright and sheltered location, but also thrives excellently outdoors against a warming house wall. A high-quality, peat-free substrate loosened with plenty of perlite and pumice for optimal drainage provides perfect conditions for the roots. Capsicum rhomboideum has a moderate water requirement but absolutely does not tolerate waterlogging. Since the plant is perennial, I recommend cultivating it in a large tub and overwintering it frost-free in a bright place at about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, where it will sprout even more vigorously the following year.

The small red berries ripen from late summer to autumn. Since they possess absolutely no heat (0 Scoville), they surprise with a fine, fruity aroma that is slightly reminiscent of wild berries or very mild tomatoes. They are excellent as a snack in between or as an unusual, colorful, and edible decoration for fresh salads.

The natural distribution area of this wild species extends from Mexico through Central America to the northern regions of South America, where it grows primarily at lower altitudes or along forest edges. Genetically, Capsicum rhomboideum is a true exotic within the chili family: while almost all cultivated chilies have 24 chromosomes, this species has 26 chromosomes. This makes it an evolutionary curiosity and a true treasure for plant enthusiasts.