Description
Species: Capsicum chinense
Origin: USA
Heat: Level 5 – approximately 300,000 SHU
Habanero Ivory is an unusual and attractive Habanero variety, producing an abundance of beautiful ivory-white chillies that stand out amongst the more familiar red, orange and yellow members of the Habanero family. With its compact growth habit, impressive productivity and distinctive pale fruits, this is a particularly appealing variety for growers looking for something a little different.
The chillies are typically small and smooth-skinned, with the supplier describing fruits approximately 4–5cm long and around 2cm wide. Beginning pale green, they gradually develop an attractive creamy-white colour as they ripen, creating a striking contrast against the plant's deep green foliage. Despite their delicate appearance, these peppers possess the characteristic powerful heat and wonderfully fruity aroma associated with Capsicum chinense.
Habanero Ivory has a rich, fruity flavour that makes it particularly suitable for preparing homemade hot sauces, spicy condiments and chilli powders. The pale flesh also offers interesting possibilities for creating lighter-coloured sauces and seasonings, while drying provides an excellent way of preserving the harvest for use throughout the year.
Plants develop a compact, bushy growth habit, typically reaching around 50cm in height under suitable conditions, although their eventual size will depend on climate, growing conditions and container size. Their relatively small stature makes them particularly suitable for growing in pots, while the attractive white flowers are followed by generous crops of unusual ivory-coloured fruits.
The variety appreciates a long, warm growing season, with fruit maturity generally quoted at approximately 100–120 days under favourable conditions. In the UK, greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation is particularly beneficial, helping provide the warmth needed for healthy growth and successful ripening.
For best results, sow indoors from January to April at 22–28°C, allowing approximately 12–21 days for germination. Early sowings benefit from supplementary lighting, while a heated propagator helps maintain consistent temperatures. Grow in fertile, free-draining compost, watering regularly without allowing the roots to become waterlogged.
Habanero Ivory prefers a warm, sunny and sheltered position with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably more. Container-grown plants can be moved indoors as autumn temperatures fall, helping the remaining fruits reach maturity. Healthy plants may also be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, ideally maintained above 15°C, with light pruning and reduced watering during winter.
Chilli Seeds Qty is 5 per pack unless stated.
