Red Fatalii

Family: Solanaceae Hot Pepper

Smoldering and fragrant, Red Fatalii brings a bright, tropical heat with a fruity edge that feels almost electric as it blooms on the palate.

At maturity, the peppers ripen to a vivid red with a smooth, taut skin and a pleasantly thick, crisp-walled feel—ideal for turning bold flavor into standout specialty heat. Grow it for fresh, fiery salsas and vibrant sauces, or for drying and grinding into a signature, heat-forward seasoning.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Bush

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 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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

Red Fatalii’s fruity, tropical burn hits fast, then lingers with a smoldering finish—use it where you want heat that tastes like something, not just scorched. The thick, taut walls make it great for fresh chopping and for sauces that need aroma staying power.

Best Uses

fresh salsa—finely mince for electric heat without hollowing out the texture
quick blender sauce (tomato + roast) that stays vivid and fragrant
char-and-chop finishing heat on grilled meats or roasted vegetables
drying and grinding into a deep, heat-forward seasoning

Flavor Profile

bright, tropical fruity heat smoldering pepper smokiness crisp-walled, juicy bite

Kitchen Pairings

lime garlic smoked paprika cilantro pineapple dark chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Capsicum chinense (red Fatalii), and what should I do?

Watch for aphids and thrips, which can reduce pod set and leave sticky residue on foliage. Spray affected plants with insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until no insects are seen; also remove heavily infested leaves. For disease, keep foliage as dry as possible and space plants well to reduce early blight risk (dark, concentric leaf spots); remove spotted leaves and avoid overhead watering.

How often should I water red Fatalii during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruiting, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container size. Aim for the top 2–3 inches of soil to be dry before the next watering, because Capsicum chinense is sensitive to both drought stress and soggy roots. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, which supports steady pod development.

How can I tell when red Fatalii pods are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods have fully turned their target red color and have reached their typical mature size for your plant (for Fatalii, around the 85-day window from transplant). Gently check readiness by looking for a firm pod with a glossy skin and by sampling one—ripe pods should taste fully developed and feel crisp rather than soft. Pods that are still green or lightly blushed usually need more time on the plant to mature.