How hot is Bishop’s Crown?

Capsi’s sourced range is 5,000–30,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). 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 Bishop’s Crown?

Bishop’s Crown: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

What can I substitute for Bishop’s Crown?

Aji Amarillo (for similar baccatum flair), Hungarian Wax Pepper, Banana Pepper

Bishop’s Crown (Balloon Pepper)

Also known as Balloon Pepper · Campane · Christmas Bell · Hat Pepper · Joker’s Hat · Peruvian Bishop’s Hat · Glocken Chili · Glockenchili · Glockenpaprika

An open-pollinated Capsicum baccatum chile with three-winged pods that look like a bishop’s mitre or a jester’s hat. Gardeners grow it for the sweet-fruity flesh and for the odd shape in salads, pickles, and ornamental beds.

Growing

~90 days to maturity

Fruit size

4–8 cm

Flavor & Use

Sweet and brightly fruity with citrus and a light floral note. Warmth is gentle and sits mostly in the core.

fruitysweetcitrusyfloralapple-like

Culinary

fresh salsas and saladspickling and relishesstuffing and roastinggarnishesmild hot saucesSouth American dishesornamental garden use

About

Ripe pods are flattened and three- to five-lobed, about 4 to 8 cm across, with thin walls and wrinkled skin that turns from pale green through orange to red. The wings are sweet. The core carries the heat, so one fruit can taste mild on the edge and medium in the middle. Flavor is fruity with citrus and a light floral note. Plants grow tall and load up with fruit. Thin walls suit pickling, stuffing, roasting, and raw slices.

Backstory

Catalogs keep this pepper as an open-pollinated heirloom under many folk names, including Christmas Bell, Joker’s Hat, and Campane. Most seed houses point to Barbados. Others describe a South American start, often Brazil, and a later move into European gardens. No source names a breeder or a parent cross.

Appearance

ShapeCrown- or hat-like with 3-5 distinct lobes and protrusions

ColorPale green · Orange · Red

Size4–8 cm

WallThin

SkinWrinkled

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateSubtropical

Days to maturity90 days

Plant height90–180 cm

Soil pH6–7

Germination10–20 days

Spacing60 cm

HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

Explore

Bishop’s Crown is a traditional landrace.

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Bishop’s Crown?: Capsi’s sourced range is 5,000–30,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). 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 Bishop’s Crown taste like?: Sweet and brightly fruity with citrus and a light floral note. Warmth is gentle and sits mostly in the core.
How do I grow Bishop’s Crown?: Bishop’s Crown: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
What can I substitute for Bishop’s Crown?: Aji Amarillo (for similar baccatum flair), Hungarian Wax Pepper, Banana Pepper