Description
Chilli Name: TEPIN
Chilli Species: Annuum (var. glabriusculum)
Chilli Origin: Mexico / Southern USA
Chilli Heat: Very Hot
The Tepin chilli, also known as Chiltepin, is a wild chilli native to Mexico and the southern United States. It is more accurately classified as Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum and is considered one of the original wild ancestors of domesticated peppers. It is widely known by names such as bird pepper or bird’s eye, reflecting its natural spread by birds.
Pods are very small, round, and marble-like, typically less than 1 cm in diameter. They grow upright on tall, elegant plants and ripen from green to bright red. Traditionally, whole fruiting branches are harvested and dried before the fruits are removed.
Flavour is bright, sharp, and slightly smoky with an intense, fast-acting heat. Heat levels are commonly in the 50,000–100,000 SHU range, though some sources report higher perceived heat, placing it in the Very Hot category. It is widely used in salsas and as a table seasoning across Mexico.
Plants are tall and somewhat sprawling, often performing better in their second year if overwintered. They are adapted to hot, dry environments but can be challenging to germinate under standard conditions, as seeds naturally germinate more readily after passing through a bird’s digestive system.
This wild variety holds strong cultural significance in Mexico and the southern United States, where it is traditionally harvested from wild stands. Its resilience and historical role make it an important link between wild and cultivated chilli species.
Germination temperature 28–30 °C. See our Water and Feed Guides for advise.
Chilli Seeds Qty is 5 per pack unless stated.
