What a name. The Super Chili pepper, without a doubt, is not lacking in confidence. So what makes this hybrid hot pepper plant so super? It’s a looker, with multi-colored fruits (while maturing from green to red) that tend to project above the plant’s foliage to truly draw the eye. Beyond the ornamental beauty, the Super Chili are commonly used in salsas, hot sauces, and marinades, as well as for pickling or drying to make chili flakes. But watch out: It has a surprising medium heat (40,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units) that can certainly catch you by surprise.
Super Chili fast facts
| Scoville heat units (SHU) | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Median heat (SHU) | 45,000 |
| Jalapeño reference point | 5 to 20 times hotter |
| Capsicum species | Annuum |
| Origin | United States |
| Use | Ornamental |
| Size | Approximately 2 to 3 inches long, thin |
| Flavor | Neutral (peppery) |
How hot are Super Chili peppers?
Like other ornamental peppers, the Super Chili packs a surprising punch. With a Scoville heat range of 40,000 to 50,000 SHU, it sits at the upper end of cayenne pepper heat (30,000 to 50,000 SHU). That’s 5 to 20 times hotter than our jalapeño reference point.
No surprise to the big medium heat, as ornamentals are grown to accentuate their looks, not to temper and stabilze their overall spiciness. But the Super Chili is almost double other spicy ornamentals like the Black Pearl and Lemon Drop peppers.
What do Super Chili peppers look like and taste like?
They are beauties, that’s for sure. Super Chilies grow two to three inches in length, with a thin cayenne-like profile, and age from green to ruby red, taking on shades of orange in between. One plant can have a multitude of colors which, when this plant is used as an ornamental pepper, can be quite stunning.
But it’s not just about the colors. The peppers stand upright on the plant and tend to elevate themselves above the leaves and white flowers of the plant itself. They take center stage, adding a dramatic angularity to the landscaping they’re used in.
On the flavor: Ornamental peppers aren’t known for their complex flavors. They are, after all, grown for their looks, not their taste. Yet, all ornamental peppers are edible — just know what you are going to get: a lot of fire, and little nuance in the fresh pepper flavor. That’s the story with Super Chili peppers. There’s a lot of spice, yet little complexity.
How can you use these chilies?
As an ornamental pepper, they perform well as both a landscaping plant and a container plant. The plants themselves are relatively compact, so they work in smaller spaces.
As a culinary pepper, due to their relatively neutral flavor, they are best cast as a supporting cast member in recipes — where the dish already has strong flavors, yet needs some extra oomph. They are similar to cayenne and Thai chilies in this way. Super Chili peppers work well in highly spiced Thai and Asian dishes. They provide excellent heat to more complex hot sauces and salsas where the likes of mustard and fruits take center stage. And they are excellent pickling chilies, as long as you can take the heat. Try drying them, too, and creating your own unique version of crushed red pepper.
Super Chili pepper plant pairings
Here’s a list of common plant pairings for Super Chili peppers that can accentuate the beauty of your landscaping, help your pepper plant grow, and provide even more garden deliciousness.
To accentuate the visual appeal of your edible landscaping:
- Marigolds (Tagetes): The bright orange and yellow hues of marigolds create a warm contrast with the fiery red of Super Chili peppers, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the garden.
- Zinnias: Available in a variety of colors, including bright pinks, oranges, and yellows, zinnias provide a cheerful and bold backdrop that complements the pepper’s vivid tones, making the garden feel lively and inviting.
- Coleus: With its striking foliage that can feature deep reds, purples, and greens, coleus adds depth and texture to the garden. The rich colors harmonize with the peppers, creating a cohesive and visually appealing display.
- Petunias: These flowers come in a range of colors, including purples, pinks, and whites. Their soft blooms can soften the sharpness of the peppers while still providing a colorful contrast that highlights the peppers’ brightness.
- Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum): The bold, vibrant orange and yellow flowers of nasturtiums echo the colors of Super Chili peppers. Their edible flowers also add a unique twist to the garden, enhancing both aesthetics and culinary possibilities.
- Salvia: With its deep blue and purple flowers, salvia provides a striking contrast to the warm colors of the peppers. The cool tones can help balance the heat of the reds and yellows, creating a dynamic color palette.
- Sunflowers (Helianthus): Tall and cheerful, sunflowers bring a sunny yellow that complements the colors of Super Chili peppers. Their height and boldness create a visually striking combination that draws the eye.
To protect your Super Chili pepper from pests and provide additional ingredient options:
- Basil: Basil enhances the flavor of peppers and can help repel pests like aphids and spider mites. Its aromatic leaves can also attract beneficial insects that prey on common pests.
- Tomatoes: Both peppers and tomatoes thrive in similar growing conditions, including warm temperatures and well-drained soil. The vibrant colors of Super Chili peppers complement the lush green foliage of tomato plants.
- Carrots: Carrots grow well in the same garden space without competing for nutrients. Their root system helps aerate the soil, which can benefit the shallow roots of the Super Chili peppers.
- Onions: Onions can deter pests like aphids and root maggots that might harm Super Chili peppers. Their strong scent can mask the smell of the peppers, making it harder for pests to locate them.
- Cilantro: Cilantro can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on harmful pests. Its growth can also provide some shade to the peppers during hotter months.
- Spinach: Spinach has a shallow root system that won’t compete with the Super Chili peppers for nutrients. It can also provide ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Garlic: Garlic is known for its pest-repelling properties. It can deter aphids and other pests that may harm Super Chili peppers, while also benefiting from similar growing conditions.
Must-read related posts:
- The Hot Pepper List: We profile over 160 chilies, both ornamental and culinary. Search by name, heat, flavor, and more.
- Colorful Peppers Guide: Discover other ornamentals that can bring color pop to your garden.
- Our Hot Sauce Rankings: We review and rank 100+ hot sauces to help you find your next new favorite.
Using mine for hot green salsa with green tomatoes and onion and garlic from my garden..excellent for topping anything if you like hot !!
I found them at my local grocery store. Although it was a plant. I’ll be adding to my arsenal.
I once ate one from my garden thinking “oh it’s not that big how can it be spick” let’s just say there was a bad 2 hours after