Description
Species: Capsicum chinense
Origin: USA
Heat: Level
Habanero Salmon Orange is an attractive and unusual Habanero variety, producing generously sized chillies that develop a beautiful warm, salmon-orange colour as they ripen. Combining the characteristic fruity aroma of the Habanero family with an appealing fruit colour and vigorous growth, this is an interesting choice for growers looking to expand their collection beyond the familiar orange and red varieties.
The fruits typically reach approximately 5–8cm in length, beginning green before gradually developing their distinctive orange colouring. Their rich, aromatic character makes them suitable for a variety of culinary uses, particularly where the traditional fruity flavour of Habanero chillies is appreciated.
Habanero Salmon Orange is well suited to preparing homemade hot sauces, spicy marinades, chutneys and Caribbean-inspired dishes. The mature fruits can also be dried and ground into chilli powder or flakes, providing another way to preserve their flavour and colour for use throughout the year.
Plants develop a bushy growth habit, generally reaching 70–100cm in height under favourable conditions, although their final size will depend on climate, available growing space and cultivation methods. Attractive white flowers are followed by crops of colourful peppers, with fruit maturity generally quoted at approximately 80–100 days in suitable growing conditions. As with other Habaneros, cooler UK temperatures may extend the ripening period.
For successful cultivation, sow indoors from January to April at 22–28°C, allowing approximately 8–20 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 Salmon Orange appreciates a long, warm growing season and plenty of sunshine. A greenhouse or polytunnel is particularly beneficial in the UK, although plants can also be grown in containers in a warm, sheltered position. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably more, and move plants outdoors only after all risk of frost has passed and temperatures are reliably warm.
Container-grown plants have the advantage of being moved indoors as autumn temperatures fall, allowing remaining fruits additional time to ripen. Healthy plants may also be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, ideally maintained above 15°C. Light pruning and reduced watering during winter can help maintain the plants until fresh growth begins in spring.
Chilli Seeds Qty is 5 per pack unless stated.
