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Chiltepin (Tepin, Chile Pequin) Pepper Seeds

"Known as the Mother Of All Peppers"

Sun: Partial Shade Or Dappled Sunlight

Days to Maturity: 90 - 120 Days

Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 50,000 - 100,000

Heirloom: Yes

Packet: 25 Seeds

Price: $3.49

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Summary / History

HEIRLOOM - The Chiltepin pepper is crowned the "Mother of All Peppers" because it is considered to be the wild ancestor from which all modern domesticated peppers evolved. It is also known to be the only wild chili native to the United States. Archaeological excavations from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago show that humans have been consuming Chiltepins since the mid-Holocene period. Chiltepins were culturally significant among the Native American tribes, as they used it extensively as food, medicine, and in rituals. The pepper made its way into the early 19th century when Thomas Jefferson grew them in his garden at Monticello. The Chiltepin was deeply rooted in Texas, which is why it was awarded the Official State Native Pepper of Texas in 1997. To this day, the tiny, hot peppers remain a vital cultural and culinary staple in the mountain regions of Sonora, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Due to its unique environmental significance and history, wild Chiltepin populations are now actively protected in several United States national parks and forests.

Plant Characteristics

Chiltepin peppers are known for being tiny peppers that pack an intense punch, measuring between 50,000 and 100,000 on the Scoville (SHU) scale. They offer a swift, sharp heat followed by a distinctively smoky, earthy, and nutty profile with fruity notes. The round to slightly oval pea-sized peppers start bright green and mature to a fiery orange-red or bright red. Due to their potency and rich flavor, Chiltepin peppers are a staple in Southwestern and Northern Mexican cooking. The thin flesh makes them ideal for sun-drying or crushing over dishes. Grows as a highly branched, woody perennial shrub, reaching heights and widths of up to 5 feet. During the warm months, small, five-pointed white flowers appear that readily attract bees and other pollinators. While it can tolerate full sun, it prefers dappled light or partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established.

    • Quick Facts

    • Botanical Name: Capsicum Annuum Var. Glabriusculum


    • Life Cycle: Perennial


    • Light Requirement: Partial Shade Or Dappled Sunlight


    • Planting Season: Warm Season


    • Plant Type: Hot 50,000-100,000 Scoville


    • Features: Heirloom, Drought-Tolerant


    • Fruit Size: 1/4 - 1/2 Inch In Diameter


    • Days to Maturity: 90-120 Days


    • Plant Spacing: 18-24 Inches


    • Planting Depth: 1/4" to 1/2" Inch


    • Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow


    • Cold Stratification: No


    • Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13


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