Cherry Bomb
Capsicum annuum — 2,500–5,000 SHU
Cherry Bomb is a compact, round, deep red pepper the size of a golf ball — named for its resemblance to a cherry and its moderate heat. Thick-walled with a sweet, slightly tangy flavour, it is the definitive stuffing pepper. Cored and filled with cream cheese, it's a classic appetiser. Also excellent pickled whole or sliced onto pizzas. Very productive, fast-maturing, and easy to grow.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Cherry Bomb
6–8 hours daily. A compact plant that rewards maximum sun with rapid fruit development and deep colour.
20–28°C ideal. One of the fastest-maturing varieties — excellent for UK climate, producing crops well before the season ends.
Consistent moisture throughout. Thick-walled fruits are prone to cracking with irregular watering — keep soil evenly moist during fruit development.
10–15L pot. Naturally compact — one of the best pepper varieties for balconies and smaller outdoor spaces.
Tomato feed from first flower. High yield requires steady nutrition — feed weekly to maintain continuous production.
Pick at full deep red for maximum sweetness and flavour. Green fruits are milder; red fruits have the best heat-sweetness balance for cooking.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Inconsistent watering — rapid water uptake after dry period causes skin to split
Fix: Water evenly throughout the season, mulch the surface to retain consistent moisture
Cause: Cool nights below 16°C slow the colour change from green to red
Fix: Move containers to warmest available spot, bring indoors on cold nights late season
Cause: Irregular soil moisture during fruit development reduces cell wall thickness
Fix: Maintain even, consistent watering throughout — do not allow drought followed by heavy watering
Cause: Dense, compact growth habit makes Cherry Bomb attractive to aphid colonies
Fix: Neem oil spray weekly, strong water jet to dislodge colonies, check undersides of leaves
❓ Common Questions
How do you stuff Cherry Bomb peppers?
Cut the top off and core out the seeds, fill with cream cheese mixed with herbs, wrap in bacon if desired, bake at 200°C for 15–20 minutes. The thick walls hold their shape perfectly.
Is Cherry Bomb the same as pimento?
Similar shape but Cherry Bomb is hotter (2,500–5,000 SHU vs near-zero pimento) and has slightly thicker walls. Both excellent for stuffing, but Cherry Bomb adds a kick.
How productive is Cherry Bomb?
Very productive — 20–50 round fruits per plant in a good season. Small plants punch well above their weight for container growers.
Can I use it in hot sauce?
Yes — thick walls are excellent for blending. Lower heat than jalapeño produces a milder, very fruity red sauce. Great base for cooking sauces and marinades.
