How hot is Basket of Fire?

Capsi’s sourced range is 80,000 SHU (Official breeder). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat

How do I grow Basket of Fire?

Basket of Fire: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical, heat and drought tolerant climate, full sun, hardiness zones 11-12 (grown as annual in cooler zones).

Basket of Fire (Basket of Fire Chilli)

Also known as Basket of Fire Chilli · Basket of Fire Pepper

A compact edible ornamental hot pepper bred specifically for hanging baskets, producing hundreds of vibrant, multicolored fruits while thriving in heat.

About 3.2 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).

Growing

~90 days to maturity

Fruit size

2.5–5 cm

Flavor & Use

Slightly sweet with citrusy and habanero-like fruity undertones; delivers a solid medium-hot burn that is flavorful and approachable rather than overpowering.

sweetcitrusyfruitypeppery

Culinary

salsaspicklinghot sauces and jelliesdrying into flakes or powdermarinadesbarbecue saucesfresh spicy dishes

About

The Basket of Fire is a hybrid Capsicum annuum variety developed as a Texas Superstar plant, combining striking ornamental appeal with genuine culinary heat. Its compact, cascading habit makes it perfect for containers and hanging baskets, where it displays a spectacular rainbow of fruit colors simultaneously. Small, pointed peppers ripen through shades of purple, cream, yellow, orange, and bright red, creating a fiery visual display that lasts for months. With approximately 80,000 Scoville Heat Units, it offers a flavorful medium-hot kick ideal for home cooks and gardeners alike.

Backstory

Released in 2018 by the Texas Superstar program after extensive field trials, the Basket of Fire pepper was purpose-bred by Texas A&M AgriLife researchers to create a versatile edible ornamental that excels in challenging Texas climates. Its name reflects the fiery visual spectacle of its multicolored fruits cascading like flames from hanging baskets. This variety has quickly become popular among gardeners for its dual purpose: stunning landscape color combined with practical culinary heat that can be harvested fresh or dried.

Appearance

ShapeSmall tapered

ColorPurple · Cream · Yellow · Orange · Red

Size2.5–5 cm

WallThin

SkinSmooth

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateSubtropical, heat and drought tolerant

Days to maturity90 days

Plant height30–35 cm

Soil pH6–7

Germination10–21 days

Spacing40 cm

HardinessZones 11-12 (grown as annual in cooler zones)

Heritage

Explore

Basket of Fire is an F1 hybrid. Named parents aren't linked in Capsi yet.

Floranova · 2011

Parents

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Basket of Fire?: Capsi’s sourced range is 80,000 SHU (Official breeder). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
What does Basket of Fire taste like?: Slightly sweet with citrusy and habanero-like fruity undertones; delivers a solid medium-hot burn that is flavorful and approachable rather than overpowering.
How do I grow Basket of Fire?: Basket of Fire: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical, heat and drought tolerant climate, full sun, hardiness zones 11-12 (grown as annual in cooler zones).
What can I substitute for Basket of Fire?: Thai pepper, cayenne pepper