1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Capsicum frutescens is the pepper species behind tabasco and most Thai hot types, an erect warm-season plant from Bolivia and western Brazil reaching four to six feet where the season is long enough. Dark green leaves four to eight inches long clothe branching stems, and small fruits are held upright rather than hanging.
The upright-pointing fruit is the giveaway that separates this species from the drooping fruit of most peppers, and it is why tabasco peppers are picked so easily. It is a true perennial in frost-free conditions and will grow into a woody shrub over several years, cropping far more heavily than a first-year plant ever does.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
60 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial grown as an annual
Native To
Bolivia and western Brazil
Toxicity
Edible; capsaicin burns skin and eyes
Planting
How to Grow
- Start seed indoors ten weeks before the last frost.
- Germinate at 80F; germination is slow.
- Plant out only once nights are reliably warm.
- Give it full sun and freely drained soil.
- Overwinter the plant indoors to crop again.
- Wear gloves when handling the ripe fruit.
Pro Tip
Overwinter it rather than starting again — a second or third year plant crops far more heavily than any first-year seedling.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Start seed early with bottom heat 🌡️
- Give it full sun and warmth ☀️
- Overwinter it for bigger crops 🏠
- Wear gloves when picking 🧤
Don't
- Plant out into cold soil ❌
- Discard the plant after one season ❌
- Touch your eyes after handling fruit ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overwinter | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Thai Hot Pepper questions
What zones can Thai Hot Pepper grow in?
Thai Hot Pepper is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Thai Hot Pepper deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Thai Hot Pepper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Thai Hot Pepper bloom?
Thai Hot Pepper typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Thai Hot Pepper need full sun?
Thai Hot Pepper does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Capsicum to compare
Sweet Banana Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana'
Poblano Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Poblano'
Aji Amarillo
Capsicum baccatum 'Aji Amarillo'
Early Jalapeño
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeno'
Yum Yum Peppers
Capsicum annuum 'Yum Yums Hybrid Mixed Mini Bells'
Golden California Wonder Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Golden California Wonder'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Thai Hot Pepper with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.