Common Name: Tabasco Pepper

General Information

Capsicum frutescens is a much-branched, erect, perennial plant growing from 1 - 2 metres tall. The stems can become more or less woody, at least near the base[].
This species is widely grown throughout the world, but especially in warm temperate to tropical climates for its edible fruit, which is used as a food flavouring, and also for its medicinal virtues.

Known Hazards

Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most plants in the family Solanaceae also contain poisonous alkaloids. Apart from the specific entries mentioned below containing information on the edible uses for this species, it would be unwise to ingest any other part of this plant[].
The sap of the plant can cause the skin to blister[].

Botanical References

Range

Probably native of the Tropics, but the original habitat is obscure

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Capsicum frutescens grows well in lowland tropical regions and at an elevation up to 2,000 metres[]. It is also cultivated as an annual in the subtropics and warm temperate areas. It prefers a temperature in the range 21 - 25°c, not growing well if temperatures exceed 32°c[]. Plants are not tolerant of frost[]. Annual precipitation of 600 - 1,200mm is considered to be adequate[]. Excessive rainfall can reduce flowering and fruit set, as well as encourage diseases[].
Prefers a very warm sunny position and a humus-rich, fertile, well-drained loam[]. Prefers a light sandy soil that is slightly acid[]. Prefers a pH in the range of 5.5 - 5.6[], but tolerates 4.3 to 8.3.
Often grown as an annual crop, the first harvest can be obtained about 3 months after sowing the seed[].
Yields of 350 - 500kg of the dried fruit can be obtained per hectare[].
Often cultivated for its fruit, there are many named varieties[, ].
The growing plant is a good companion for aubergines[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. Very hot and normally used as a flavouring[]. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring[]. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long and 1cm wide[].

Seed - dried, ground and used as a pepper[].

Leaves - cooked as a potherb[]. We have some reservations regarding this entry and advise some caution - see the note at the top of this page.

Medicinal

The dried fruit is a powerful local stimulant with no narcotic effect, it is most useful in atony of the intestines and stomach[]. It has proved efficacious in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving chronic congestion of people addicted to drink[]. It is sometimes used as a tonic and is said to be unequalled in warding off disease[] (probably due to the high vitamin C content[]). Some caution should be employed, however, since large doses are extremely irritating to the gastro-intestinal system[].
Used externally, the fruit is a strong rubefacient stimulating the circulation, aiding the removal of waste products and increasing the flow of nutrients to the tissues[]. It is applied as a cataplasm or liniment[]. It has also been powdered and placed inside socks as a traditional remedy for those prone to cold feet[]. A weak infusion can be used as a gargle to treat throat complaints[].
The fruit is also antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic[, , ]. These pungent fruited peppers are important in the tropics as gastrointestinal detoxifiers and food preservatives[].
The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin[]. This substance stimulates the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the skin it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local anaesthetic[].

The seed contains capsicidins[]. These are thought to have antibiotic properties[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The growing plant repels insects[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a warm greenhouse[]. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of reasonably rich soil and grow them on fast. If trying them outdoors, then plant them out after the last expected frosts and give them the protection of a cloche or frame at least until they are established and growing away well.