NuMex April Fool’s Day
NuMex April Fool’s Day is a semi-dwarf ornamental Capsicum annuum developed by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University. Its upright clusters of long, thin pods start purple and mature through orange to red, resembling a jester’s hat. Mildly pungent at 1,000–6,000 SHU and fully edible, it excels in containers and small gardens.
Growing
~90 days to maturity
Fruit size
5–9 cm
Flavor & Use
Mild heat with a fresh, slightly sweet chili flavor and crisp texture.
Culinary
About
This 2010 release from NMSU’s Holiday Ornamentals series produces high yields of cayenne- or de árbol-like pods that point upright on a compact plant typically 25–40 cm tall. Fruits measure 5–9 cm long, with thin walls and a somewhat wrinkled skin, transitioning from purple (often with dark stripes or spots) through orange to bright red. Selected for heavy fruit set, attractive foliage, and container suitability, it is primarily ornamental but the crisp, mildly hot pods with a slightly sweet chili flavor work well fresh in salads, salsas, or as colorful flakes when dried. Easy to grow in full sun with moderate water.
Backstory
Released in 2010 by New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute as one of the Holiday Ornamentals series. Selected for compact growth, heavy fruit set, and suitability for pots and the nursery trade. The upright purple pods evoke a jester’s hat, fitting the April Fools’ theme and continuing the institute’s playful tradition of naming ornamentals after holidays.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.