Description
Chilli Name : HANGIJAO 4 (Space Pepper 4)
Chilli Species : Annuum
Chilli Origin : China (Zhejiang Province)
Chilli Heat : Medium
Hangijao 4, also known as Space Pepper 4 (杭椒4号), is one of the earlier chillies developed through China’s Space Breeding Programme (航天育种). As part of the original Hangjiao line, seeds were sent into orbit aboard a satellite to expose them to microgravity and cosmic radiation, then selectively bred back on Earth for improved flavour, yield, and disease resistance.
This variety was refined in Zhejiang Province, one of China’s major chilli-producing regions. It’s highly valued for its balanced heat, crisp flavour, and consistent performance, making it a common feature in both home gardens and commercial farms across the region.
Pods are long and slender, averaging 10–14 cm, slightly curved with a smooth glossy skin. They ripen from light green to vibrant red. Heat is medium, around 15,000–25,000 SHU, with a clean, bright flavour that’s perfect for stir-frying, pickling, or drying for flakes.
Plants are upright and productive (70–90 cm), maturing quickly and producing heavy crops through summer and autumn.
Seeds germinate best at 26–30 °C, sprouting in 10–21 days. Plants mature in around 85–95 days, performing best in warm, humid conditions.
