The wide variety of chili varieties is essentially based on five types. Hobby gardeners value the degree of spiciness as a central criterion for cultivation. The range extends from 1 for mildly spicy to 10 for mercilessly spicy.
What types of chili are there?
The five main types of chili varieties are Capsicum annuum (mild to extra hot), Capsicum chinense (strong to extremely hot), Capsicum frutescens (medium hot), Capsicum baccatum (tasty and varied) and Capsicum pubescens (rare and growing -joyful). Each type has different levels of spiciness and flavor profiles.
Capsicum annuum – the chili variety for beginners and professionals
Spanish pepper is the most widely cultivated in the world. Among the species, this chili is considered so good-natured that it forgives one or two beginner mistakes. It has everything a gardener's heart desires in terms of varieties.
- Tequila Sunrise – yellow, 15 cm long fruits (spiciness: 1)
- Candlelight – small, red pods (spiciness: 2)
- Caloro – orange, fruity, 10 cm long (spiciness: 3)
- Apache – high-yielding, red variety (spiciness: 4)
- Jalapeno Jaloro – spicy, multicolored, popular classic (spiciness: 5)
Here you cross the threshold to the very hot to super hot varieties:
- Yellow Cayenne – long, yellow pods (spiciness: 6)
- Trifetti/Variegata – purple/red pods (spiciness: 7)
- Royal black – dark purple fruits, purple flowers (spiciness: 8)
- Chiltepin – tiny red chilies (spiciness: 9)
- Black Cluster – black, round, mega-sharp (sharpness: 10)
Capsicum chinense – best in class when it comes to spiciness
Hobby gardeners with hardened taste buds prefer to plant varieties of this type of chili. Among other things, this is where the incarnation of spiciness comes from: the habanero. In terms of care, it is of course considered a bit tricky.
- Bhut Jolokia – aromatic, orange pods (spiciness: 10)
- Habanero Red – Mexican variety with red fruits (spiciness: 10)
- Jamaican Hot Chocolate – chocolate flavor, dark brown and extra
sharp (sharpness: 10)
Katie – European record holder for hotness from England (sharpness: 10+)
Capsicum chinense comes in a slightly milder mood every now and then:
- Vicentes Sweet – Habanero flavor without burning tongue (spiciness: 1)
- Aji Panca – fruity chili variety, easy to dry (spiciness: 4)
- Fatalii Brown – brown, 9 cm long pods (spiciness: 7)
Capsicum frutescens – with the balance between the extremes
Among the chili species, Capsicum frutescens scores with its bushy and at the same time upright habit. Their varieties offer gardeners a happy medium. On average, they contain twice as much capsaicin as Capsicum annuum. At least noticeably less spiciness than Capsicum chinense.
- Hanoi Red – a taste highlight (spiciness: 5)
- Cherry peppers – spherical, yellow or red fruits (spiciness: 6)
- Capela – robust variety from Kosovo in orange (spiciness: 7)
- Tabasco – world-famous variety, from Mexico (spiciness: 8)
Capsicum baccatum – tiny chilies that pack a punch
It is one of the oldest species ever. Thanks to its tasty pods and extravagant flowers, Capsicum baccatum has produced numerous fan varieties.
- Trepadeira do Werner – juicy pulp with a mild note (spiciness: 4)
- Aji Cristal – sour-sweet classic (spiciness: 6)
- Lemon Drop – bright yellow fruits (spiciness: 7)
- Aji Amarillo – vigorous chili variety with elongated pods (spiciness: 8)
Since this type of chili takes an average of 120 days to harvest, it has become established especially among enthusiastic recreational gardeners.
Capsicum pubescens – a rarity among the chili species
The hairy leaves give it a characteristic appearance. Since this type of chili is difficult to cross-breed, each variety is hard won. It's not just its rarity that makes Capsicum pubescens so unique, but also its growth and longevity.
- Rocoto Canario – fast-growing variety with yellow spherical fruits (spiciness: 8)
- Rocoto Manzano Orange – plant with tree character, orange pods (hotness: 8)
- Rocoto Peron Rojo – aromatic, bright red fruits (spiciness: 8)
The types of chili presented are not only characterized by a uniform level of spiciness. In addition, their consistently purple flowers attract everyone's attention.
Tips & Tricks
All types of chili can be dried excellently. Can't decide which species and breeds you prefer? Grow several specimens without further ado. You can preserve the harvest in the air or with the help of technical aids.
