Peppadew
Capsicum baccatum
Also known as
Peppadew Pepper
Photo by NatsGard3n (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H1a
RHS hardiness
15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.2m | Max | 50cm |
60cm | Min | 40cm |
1 years to reach maturity
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
When ripe, the peppers are a bright scarlet red. When the peppers are red all over, they are fully ripened and ready to pick.
More images of Peppadew
Peppadew Overview
A probable superfruit, the Peppadew Pepper is known for its exceptional nutritional, health and taste qualities. This sweet, hot and tangy fruit is known and used throughout the culinary world for its unique, delicious flavour, which is a mixture of peppery and sweet. Peppadew are produced from the plant Capsicum baccatum, related to the classic Bell Pepper, Capsicum annum. These perennial plants are both from the potato family, Solanaceae and they are both often grown as annuals for pepper production. Grow in bright sun and moist, well-draining soil and protect from frosts. This piquanté pepper has a lot of controversy and mystery surrounding it, as the seed is not openly available on the market, the recipe for its processing is held secret, and the name 'Peppadew' and the product is trademarked. If you as a gardener ever happen upon this plant or any of its seed, you will be truly lucky to enjoy this plant in your garden!
Common problems with Peppadew
Capsicum spp. are susceptible to Aphids, Leaf Beetles, Aphids, Cutworms, Leaf Mining Flies, Thrips and Spider Mite. Common diseases include Powdery Mildew, Damping Off and Cucumber Mosaic Virus. Be sure to monitor above and beneath leaves and the overall vigour of plants.
Peppadew Companion Plants
How to propagate Peppadew
Seed
Sow them a quarter-inch to a half-inch deep in the soil mixture. Water the seeds moderately, taking care not to over-water. Germination will take 1-4 weeks.
Cuttings
Put the cutting in water or in the ground, roots will grow in 2 -3 weeks.
Special features of Peppadew
Pot plant
Good container and patio plants given enough sunlight and good drainage holes.
Attracts useful insects
Insects such as bees and butterflies.
Attracts birds
Insect-eating birds are attracted.
Drought resistant
Drought tolerant once well-established.
Attractive fruits
Other uses of Peppadew
Medicinal
Used in traditional medicine to support immune function and reduce inflammation. It helps to prevent various cancers.
Edible
Hollowed-out fruit eaten raw in salads and in various other dishes including pizza, pasta, omelettes and dips or pickled to preserve.