Chilli Pepper Hot Frairs Cap Seeds

Chilli Pepper ‘Friars Cap’ – Fruity, Sweet–Hot

Description

‘Friars Cap’ is a distinctive Capsicum baccatum chilli known for its quirky hat-shaped fruits and its unique sweet, fruity heat. Popular in Barbadian salsas and salads, this variety delivers a delicious combination of a hot central body with mild, sweet “wings” around the edges. Plants are productive, ornamental, and perfect for growing in greenhouses or large pots outdoors.

Key Features

Heat level: approx. 10,000 SHU – medium heat with fruity sweetness

Unique shape: hat-like fruits with sweet side wings

Great yield: around 30 fruits per plant

Indeterminate plants – will need staking or support

Versatile use: ideal for salsas, salads, sauces, and fresh slicing

Grows well in pots outdoors or under cover

Sowing Instructions

When to Sow
Sow indoors from February to April. Chillies need warmth to germinate, so start early for the best harvest.

How to Sow

Fill small pots or seed trays with fine compost.

Sow seeds 1 cm deep, one seed per cell or pot.

Water lightly and keep the compost moist, not wet.

Temperature

Keep at 22–26°C for successful germination. A heated propagator works best.

After Germination

Seedlings appear in 10–21 days.

Move to a bright, warm spot with plenty of light.

Pot on into individual containers once roots fill the first pot.

Hardening Off

Before planting outside, harden plants off for 7–10 days, introducing them to outdoor conditions gradually.

Planting Out

Transfer to final pots (at least 7–10 L) once nights stay above 10°C. Provide support as plants are indeterminate and will continue to grow.

Culinary Uses

Slice fresh for salads

Crush or dice for salsas and sauces

Adds vibrant flavour without overpowering heat

Take Care

These chillies sit around 10,000 SHU, so handle fruits with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling.