Capsicum Annuum Var. Glabriusculum

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Aromatic and fiercely bright, Capsicum annuum var.

glabriusculum brings a vivid snap of heat with a peppery, wild-green fragrance that seems to bloom the moment the pods are picked. At maturity, the slender fruits develop a smooth, lightly glossy skin and a firm, crisp bite—ideal for stirring into bold sauces, roasting for smoky depth, or drying and grinding into fiery seasoning. Gardeners who love lively, untamed flavor will relish these wild-leaning peppers for their punchy character and dependable 75-day rhythm to ripeness.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Capsicum Annuum Var. Glabriusculum

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Built for impact: this wild-leaning annuum stays crisp and fragrant, so it delivers bright heat without turning stewy. Use it blistered for smoky lift, or ground after drying for a hot seasoning that hits first as aroma, then as clean burn.

Best Uses

quick-stirring into pan sauces where you want heat without mush
roasting or blistering for smoky depth while keeping the pod pleasantly crisp
drying and grinding into a sharp, aromatic finishing seasoning
tossing into vinegar-based relishes and quick pickles for a clean, electric bite

Flavor Profile

wild-green pepper aroma bright, crisp heat firm, snappy pod texture lightly sweet vegetal backbone when ripe

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime smoked salt cider vinegar black peppercorn dark chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Capsicum annuum (Texas chili/Chiltepin-type) and how do I treat it?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which often build up on the tender growth and can reduce fruit set. Rinse plants with a strong spray of water, then apply insecticidal soap (or neem) and repeat every 5–7 days until new growth is clean. If you see wilting or spotting with damp conditions, improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage; remove heavily affected leaves early to slow disease spread.

How often should I water Capsicum annuum during the main growing phase (after it’s established)?

Water deeply about 1–2 times per week during active growth, but only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture helps Texas-chiltepin-type peppers set fruit, so avoid letting the soil swing between bone-dry and waterlogged. Use well-draining soil and water at the base to keep foliage drier.

How can I tell when Capsicum annuum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully sized and have turned their mature color (often red) and the skin looks glossy and taut. Most Texas-chiltepin-type plants reach harvest around 75 days, but use color and firmness as your main cues rather than the calendar. For peak heat and flavor, pick when they’re fully ripe rather than just starting to color.