Description
Chilli Name : NUMEX CENTENNIAL
Chilli Species : Annuum
Chilli Origin : USA (New Mexico State University)
Chilli Heat : Medium
NuMex Centennial is an ornamental and edible chilli developed by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in celebration of the university’s 100th anniversary. It was bred to showcase colour, compact growth, and dependable performance, making it a favourite for both decorative and culinary use.
Pods are small and upright, around 2–3 cm long, ripening through a beautiful colour progression — lavender, cream, orange, and finally red — often displaying multiple hues on the same plant. The flavour is bright and slightly fruity, with medium heat in the 30,000–50,000 SHU range. Though bred for beauty, it’s fully edible and works well in fresh salsas, pickles, and chilli oils.
Plants are compact and bushy (30–40 cm tall), with dark green foliage lightly tinted with purple — perfect for pots, patios, and ornamental beds. Despite its size, it produces heavy crops all season long and adds a splash of colour indoors or outdoors.
Seeds germinate best at 28–30 °C, sprouting within 10–21 days. Plants mature in about 90–100 days, providing continuous colour and fruit through the summer.
