Description
Species: Capsicum annuum
Origin: Pennsylvania, USA
Heat: Mild
Hinklehatz Red is a fascinating American heirloom chilli with deep roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch communities, where it has been cultivated and preserved for generations. Its unusual name comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch language and translates as "Chicken Heart", a wonderfully descriptive reference to the distinctive shape of its small, pointed fruits.
The chillies are approximately 3–4cm long, with broad shoulders tapering into a blunt, pointed tip, closely resembling a small heart. Their slightly wrinkled skins develop from green to a rich, glossy red as they mature. Despite their modest size, these little peppers pack a surprisingly lively heat, often compared to Cayenne, making them an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys chillies with plenty of character.
Traditionally, Hinklehatz peppers were preserved in vinegar by Pennsylvania Dutch families, creating a pungent pepper vinegar used to flavour everything from cooked vegetables to hearty regional dishes. Their distinctive flavour and heat also make them suitable for homemade hot sauces, pickles, chutneys and cooking, while their relatively thin flesh makes them useful for drying.
Plants develop a compact, bushy growth habit, generally reaching around 60cm in height, although they may grow larger under favourable conditions. The attractive white flowers are followed by generous crops of heart-shaped peppers. Fruit maturity is generally quoted at approximately 80–90 days under suitable growing conditions, although cooler UK temperatures may extend the ripening period.
For successful cultivation, sow indoors from February to April at 22–28°C, allowing approximately 8–21 days for germination. A heated propagator is particularly useful for early sowings. Grow in fertile, free-draining compost, keeping the plants evenly watered without allowing the roots to become waterlogged.
Hinklehatz Red is well suited to greenhouse cultivation or growing in containers, where its compact habit makes it particularly manageable. Plants prefer a warm, sheltered position with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Move outdoors only when the weather has warmed sufficiently and all risk of frost has passed.
As the fruits can take time to reach full maturity, container-grown plants have the advantage of being moved back under cover as autumn temperatures fall. Healthy plants may also be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, ideally maintained above 15°C, ready for another growing season.
Chilli Seeds Qty is 5 per pack unless stated.
