Um Ji Put, a rare variety of C. Annuum hailing from Korea, delights chilli enthusiasts with its exceptional attributes. Boasting thick-walled pods that transition from vibrant green to fiery red upon ripening, this cultivar produces generously, with each plant reaching up to 50 cm in a pot and even larger when planted in the ground. Its flavour is a delightful combination of sweetness and juiciness, complemented by a satisfying kick.
Urubu Chilli, a rare find from Brazil, boasts prolific production, yielding teardrop-shaped pods with a distinct orange hue upon ripening. This unique chilli, believed to be a Capsicum Chinense variety with hints of Capsicum Frutescens, offers a deep, slowly building heat reminiscent of habanero peppers.
The Venezuelan Tiger, a cherished rarity hailing from Venezuela, dazzles with its vibrant light green pods transitioning to a fiery red hue upon ripening. Renowned for its striking appearance and delicate flavour, it’s a prized possession for chilli enthusiasts.
Wae Mae Wo Chilli, a Capsicum Annuum from Korea, thrives in cooler temperatures. It’s a prolific producer with slender, tall plants, reaching up to a metre and a half. Pods start green, turning red, measuring 6-7 cm long and 1 cm wide. They possess a fruity, salty flavour reminiscent of apples, making them ideal for stir-fries or salads.
Wartryx, a remarkable creation by Matthew Arthur, boasts an exceptional blend of Trinidad Scorpion, 7 Pod Jonah, and Ubatuba Cambucci peppers, culminating in an astonishingly hot C. Chinense variety. With gnarly, golf ball-sized pods transitioning from green to red, this plant is a sight to behold.
The White Chupetinho Chilli, originating from Brazil, boasts stunning drop-shaped pods, reminiscent of little rubber nipples, earning its local name “Pimenta de Bico” or “Chupetinha.” It’s a prolific producer with pods transitioning from light lime green to creamy white, offering a sweet and fruity flavour with a subtle chinense undertone.
Wild Texan Tepin, a remarkable chilli pepper, boasts a rich history of being cultivated for over 15 years. Renowned for its prolific nature, it yields abundant tiny pods throughout the season. Its compact, bushy growth, reaching heights of 60-70 cm, makes it an ideal choice for pot cultivation. The pods, measuring approximately 0.5 cm, may appear diminutive but deliver an intense fiery punch. The texture resembles that of Tabasco peppers, with a surprising depth of heat.
Yaki Blue, revered by chilli enthusiasts, boasts a lineage marrying the potent Bhut Jolokia with the vibrant Filius Blue. Its pods evolve from a mesmerising dark purple to a deep red hue, showcasing a captivating transformation.
Hailing from the Cayenne district of French Guiana, South America, the Yellow Cayenne Pepper boasts a slender 8 to 10 cm long pod. These pods, akin to the Red Cayenne and Asian Birds Eye varieties, are versatile, offering a slightly sweeter and smoother taste than their red counterpart when ripe. Their flavour deepens as they ripen, presenting a perfect blend of heat and sweetness.
Originating from Peru, the Yellow Jelly Bean Pepper is renowned for its prolific production and distinctive appearance. Its petite stature, reaching heights of 40–50 cm, showcases vibrant yellow pods reminiscent of jelly beans. These pods pack a potent punch of heat, making them a standout ornamental chilli.
The Yellow Penis Pepper, a rarity in the chilli world, boasts an eccentric appearance resembling a man’s private part. Its pods transition from green to a vibrant yellow hue upon ripening. This distinctive chilli, also available in red and orange, adds a playful touch to any garden.
The Yellow Rocoto, a cherished chilli variety across South America, boasts versatile names like Locoto in Bolivia, Rocoto in Peru, and Manzano in Mexico. Resembling miniature apples in appearance and consistency, this plant thrives with its bushy, apple tree-like structure and vibrant yellow pods. Native to Mexico but now widespread, its thick-walled, 4 cm wide pods transition from green to yellow upon ripening.
Yellow Siam Chilli, known for its prolific yield and vibrant appearance, hails from Thailand. Its Capsicum Annuum variety presents a bushy plant, reaching up to a meter in height. Bearing pendant-shaped pods, initially green, they ripen into a striking golden yellow, adding a pop of colour to any garden. With a continuous production cycle, this variety ensures a constant supply of chillies.
Bred by Matthew Arthur, Yellow Wartryx emerges as a fiery variant of the renowned C. Chinense species. With origins in the Trinidad Scorpion and 7 Pod Jonah, this cultivar captivates with its intense heat and vibrant yellow hue. Notably, it boasts a floral undertone, complemented by a subtle hint of citrus.
Zimbabwe Birds Eye, hailing from Africa, is renowned for its compact nature and prolific production. Sporting bullet-shaped pods, this fiery chilli stands smaller than its Malawi counterpart but packs a potent punch. It’s an ideal choice for pot cultivation, thriving on windowsills or verandas.
