Kilian

Kilian is a medium-heat orange cayenne chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) hailing from Southeast Asia and China. Compact plants produce vibrant 5–8 cm slender pods that ripen from green to bright orange, offering reliable yields and versatile kitchen use in containers or open ground.

Growing

~80 days to maturity

Fruit size

5–8 cm

Flavor & Use

Tender, crisp, juicy pods deliver a hot spicy spark and bright flavor, excellent for adding both heat and vibrant color.

cleansharp heat with classic cayenne character and juicy texture

Culinary

Fresh or dried in stir-friessaucessalsaspowdersspicy oilsand canningespecially suited to Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. Usable green or ripe orange.

About

The Kilian variety is a medium-early hot pepper that grows as a compact bush, typically 40–60 cm tall. Its fruits are slender, pointed, and thin-walled (around 3 mm), reaching up to 8 cm in length. They start green and mature to a striking bright orange. With a heat level in the medium range (approximately 27,000–50,000 SHU depending on source), it offers a clean, sharp spiciness. The plants are easy to grow in pots, greenhouses, or open ground in warm conditions, germinating in 14–22 days. It is valued for both its ornamental ripe color and culinary applications across many cuisines.

Backstory

Compact cayenne-type selection popularized in European seed markets; derived from traditional peppers hailing from Southeast Asia and China, optimized for container growing and reliable yields on small plants.

Appearance

ShapeSlender pointed cayenne
ColorGreen · Orange
Size5–8 cm
WallThin
SkinSmooth

Growing

SunFull
WaterModerate
ClimateSubtropical
Days to maturity80 days
Plant height40–60 cm
Soil pH6–7
Germination14–22 days
Spacing50 cm
HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Sources