How hot is Calico Pepper?

Capsi’s sourced range is 40,000–70,000 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 Calico Pepper?

Calico Pepper: about 90 days to maturity, warm climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

What can I substitute for Calico Pepper?

Capsi does not have that recorded yet.

Calico Pepper (Calico Ornamental Pepper)

Also known as Calico Ornamental Pepper · Capsicum annuum 'Calico'

Calico is a compact F1 ornamental Capsicum annuum bred for striking variegated foliage and small black-to-red fruits.

About 2.2 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).

Growing

~90 days to maturity

Fruit size

1.5–5 cm

Flavor & Use

Neutral and peppery. Heat is the dominant feature; little sweetness or complexity.

pepperyneutral

Culinary

Primarily ornamental. Fruit is edible but flavor is neutral and pepperyused mainly for heat or visual color in salsaspicklesor arrangements when desired.

About

Compact plant with strongly variegated purple, cream, and green foliage. Small conical fruits start glossy black or purple and ripen to red. Fruit is hot with little flavor nuance beyond heat. Suited to containers, borders, and mixed plantings; heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant once established.

Backstory

Calico is a commercial F1 ornamental pepper introduced around 2008 by Ball Horticultural Company and PanAmerican Seed. It was marketed alongside Purple Flash and Sangria for its tricolor foliage and decorative fruit rather than culinary performance.

Appearance

ShapeConical

ColorBlack · Purple · Red

Size1.5–5 cm

WallThin

SkinGlossy

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateWarm

Days to maturity90 days

Plant height25–30 cm

Soil pH5.5–6.5

Germination7–21 days

Spacing30 cm

HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

Explore

Nothing reputable documents a pedigree for this pepper.

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Calico Pepper?: Capsi’s sourced range is 40,000–70,000 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 Calico Pepper taste like?: Neutral and peppery. Heat is the dominant feature; little sweetness or complexity.
How do I grow Calico Pepper?: Calico Pepper: about 90 days to maturity, warm climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
What can I substitute for Calico Pepper?: Capsi does not have that recorded yet.