How hot is Kung Pao Pepper?

Capsi’s sourced range is 7,000–14,000 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 Kung Pao Pepper?

Kung Pao Pepper: about 85 days to maturity, temperate to subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

What can I substitute for Kung Pao Pepper?

Cayenne (higher heat), dried Thai bird's eye (hotter), facing heaven Sichuan chilies

Kung Pao Pepper

Versatile US hybrid cayenne-style pepper offering reliable medium heat, high yields, and excellent drying performance; perfect home-garden choice for authentic Asian dishes.

About 1/2.5 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).

Growing

~85 days to maturity

Fruit size

10–15 cm

Flavor & Use

Subtle earthy and peppery with slight smoky notes; heat builds cleanly without fruitiness or bitterness, allowing other ingredients to shine.

earthypepperysmoky

Culinary

Stir-friesKung Pao chicken/beefdrying into flakes or powderThai and Southeast Asian cuisinehot sauces

About

A productive hybrid variety producing long, slender, cayenne-like pods that mature from green to bright red. With thin walls and medium heat, it is excellent for drying, powder, and adding balanced spice to Asian stir-fries and the namesake Kung Pao dishes without overpowering other flavors.

Backstory

Modern US hybrid introduced circa 2000 (J. Bill) and marketed as a milder cayenne-style alternative specifically suited for Asian, Thai, and Sichuan cooking including Kung Pao chicken. Not a traditional Sichuan landrace but bred for balanced heat and drying qualities.

Appearance

ShapeSlender tapered

ColorGreen · Red

Size10–15 cm

WallThin

SkinSmooth

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateTemperate to subtropical

Days to maturity85 days

Plant height90–120 cm

Soil pH6–7.5

Germination7–14 days

Spacing60 cm

HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

Explore

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

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Kung Pao Pepper?: Capsi’s sourced range is 7,000–14,000 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 Kung Pao Pepper taste like?: Subtle earthy and peppery with slight smoky notes; heat builds cleanly without fruitiness or bitterness, allowing other ingredients to shine.
How do I grow Kung Pao Pepper?: Kung Pao Pepper: about 85 days to maturity, temperate to subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
What can I substitute for Kung Pao Pepper?: Cayenne (higher heat), dried Thai bird's eye (hotter), facing heaven Sichuan chilies