Peter Pepper
Capsicum annuum — 10,000–30,000 SHU
Peter Pepper is an heirloom Capsicum annuum famous for its unmistakably shaped fruits — deeply ridged and pointed in a way that guarantees a second look. Beyond the novelty, it is a genuinely productive medium-hot pepper with solid culinary value. Easy to grow, prolific, and absolutely guaranteed to be the most talked-about plant in any chilli collection.
🔥 Heat Scale
🌱 How to Grow Peter Pepper
6–8 hours daily. A standard Annuum variety — the same sun requirements as jalapeño or cayenne.
20–28°C ideal. Adapts well to a range of conditions — one of the more forgiving medium-hot pepper varieties.
Consistent moisture. Allow top few centimetres to dry between waterings. Standard pepper care — neither too wet nor too dry.
12–15L pot. A medium-sized plant that produces reliably in containers and raised beds.
Tomato feed from first flower. Weekly feeding from flowering through to harvest for best yield.
An unmissable conversation piece in any garden — place where visitors will see the developing fruits. The shape becomes obvious as fruits mature.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Suboptimal conditions — the distinctive shape is most pronounced in warm, well-fed plants
Fix: Maximise sun and nutrition. The unique form develops most dramatically in optimal growing conditions.
Cause: Temperatures below 15°C cause flower abortion
Fix: Maintain warmth during flowering — same as any Annuum variety
Cause: Common on soft new growth in spring
Fix: Neem oil spray, water jet to remove colonies
Cause: Inconsistent watering during fruit development
Fix: Even, consistent moisture throughout the growing season
❓ Common Questions
What makes Peter Pepper unique?
Its unmistakably shaped fruits — deeply ridged and pointed in a way unlike any other pepper. Beyond novelty, it's a productive medium-hot Annuum with real culinary value.
How hot is it?
10,000–30,000 SHU — medium hot, similar to a hot serrano. Perfectly usable in cooking — the shape comes with real culinary value.
Can I eat it?
Yes — a genuine culinary pepper used in salsas, drying, and pickling. The medium heat and straightforward Annuum flavour make it versatile.
Is it hard to grow?
No — standard Capsicum annuum care, same as jalapeño or cayenne. No special requirements. Start seeds February/March with a heat mat.
