NuMex Easter

Edible with noticeable heat but not very flavorful (per CPI); subtle sweetness when mature, best for adding mild spice and vibrant color to dishes rather than dominating flavor.

Developed by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University, NuMex Easter is a dwarf ornamental pepper that doubles as a culinary variety. The plants are very compact, typically growing 5 to 12 inches tall and wide, with dense green foliage. They produce clusters of 4 to 6 small, pointed, upward-facing fruits that change color from lavender and purple through yellow and cream to light orange or red as they mature, creating a stunning multi-hued display. With a Scoville range of 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, these peppers deliver hot heat but are edible and can be used in salsas, sauces, and more. The variety tolerates heat, drought, humidity, and wind, making it easy to grow in full sun in containers or beds. It earned the 2014 AAS Bedding Plant award for its superior performance and visual appeal year-round.

NuMex Easter was created by breeders at the Chile Pepper Institute of New Mexico State University as part of their program to develop attractive, useful peppers. It won the 2014 All-America Selections award for bedding plants due to its compact form, continuous production of colorful fruits, and resilience. The 'NuMex' designation signifies its origin from NMSU research.