Description
Chilli Name : PILI PILI
Chilli Species : Frutescens (Poss × Chinense)
Chilli Origin : USA
Chilli Heat : Very Hot
Pili Pili (USA) is a modern American-developed chilli named in homage to the famous African “Piri Piri”, but genetically unrelated. It’s a Frutescens/Chinense hybrid created for compact growth, heavy yields, and strong fruity heat. While smaller than most superhots, its heat and flavour make it a favourite for sauce makers looking for habanero-level fire with a cleaner, sharper edge.
Pods are small and upright, 2–3 cm long, ripening from light green to bright red. The flavour is tropical, slightly floral, and crisp, with very hot heat in the 200,000–300,000 SHU range. It’s ideal for fermented hot sauces, pickles, and infusions, giving a bold burn without overwhelming bitterness.
Plants are compact and bushy (45–60 cm tall), covered in upright pods that mature in clusters. Hardy and fast-growing, they perform well in both pots and greenhouse environments.
Seeds germinate best at 28–30 °C, sprouting in 10–21 days. Plants mature in roughly 100 days and crop heavily until late summer.
