Description
Chilli Name : AJÍ BRAZILIAN STARFISH RED (PI 439368)
Chilli Species : Baccatum
Chilli Origin : Brazil
Chilli Heat : Medium
The Ají Brazilian Starfish Red is one of the most unusual-looking baccatum chillies, instantly recognisable for its unique, disc-shaped pods that resemble a starfish. This particular strain, PI 439368, is part of the USDA seed bank collection, preserving its distinctive genetics for growers worldwide.
Pods are flat, round, and wrinkled with pointed edges, typically 4–6 cm across. They ripen from green to bright red and deliver a medium heat balanced by a sweet, fruity flavour. Their quirky appearance makes them especially popular with collectors and market growers, as well as for decorative use in cooking.
Plants are tall and vigorous, often reaching 120–150 cm, producing heavy yields across a long season. With their ornamental looks and reliable crops, they’re as attractive as they are practical.
Seeds germinate best at 25–28 °C, sprouting in 10–21 days. Plants usually take 100–120 days from sowing to harvest. In the UK, greenhouse or polytunnel growing is recommended for reliable ripening, though they can succeed outdoors in a hot summer.
