Chilli 'Elefant' (Capsicum annuum) Organic Seeds
- High-yielding, long-fruited Balkan chilli with thick-fleshed, aromatic pods and mild to medium heat – ideal for grilling, stuffing, pickling or drying.
- Open-pollinated Capsicum annuum variety, seed packet with approx. 10 seeds.
- Robust chilli variety for outdoor cultivation, with distinctive corky skin – reliable in garden beds and containers.
€3.39
Description
Chilli 'Elefant' – Long Fruits with Distinctive Corky Skin
'Elefant' is a traditional, open-pollinated Capsicum annuum variety from the Balkan region. It is especially widespread in Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosovo, where it has been grown for decades as a reliable garden and kitchen staple. In the trade, it is also known as Pepperoni Elefant.
The plants grow bushy and reach a height of around 60 to 100 cm, depending on site conditions. They produce numerous very long, conical fruits, typically measuring between 18 and 20 cm in length. The flesh is exceptionally thick and juicy, making the pods feel noticeably heavier than many other long-fruited chillies.
A distinctive feature of this variety is its rough, cracked skin with corky tissue, reminiscent of elephant hide. This unique texture is characteristic of the cultivar, helps protect the fruit from drying out, and gives 'Elefant' its unmistakable appearance. The pods ripen from green to a deep red.
In terms of flavour, this mild to medium-hot chilli offers a rich, fruity taste. It is ideal for eating fresh, grilling and stuffing, as well as for pickling or drying. Thanks to its balanced heat, 'Elefant' is a highly versatile chilli variety for everyday culinary use.
Plant profile
| Plant type | Container plant, Herbaceous plant |
|---|---|
| Use | Container plant, Edible plant, Vegetable |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Species | Solanaceae |
| Seed propagation | Bio |
| Region of origin | Southern Europe |
| Characteristics | Needs darkness to germinate, Not winter-hardy |
| Eventual height | 40-80 cm |
| Flower colour | White |
| Flowering months | August, July, June, May |
| Main harvest | August, July, September |
| Fruit colour | Rot |
| Fruit form | länglich |
| Root system | Heart roots |
| Winter hardiness zones | 12 (10 bis 15 °C) |
Growing instructions
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Germination temperature | 22-28°C |
| Germination time | 1-2 weeks |
| Climate | Temperate, Tropical |
| Soil type | Free-draining, Humus-rich, Nutrient-rich |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water requirement | High, No waterlogging |
| Nutrient requirements | Heavy feeder |
| Planting distance | 40 cm |
| Good companion plants | Basil, Lettuce, Onion |
| Bad companion plants | Fennel, Peas |
Sowing and care
Sowing and Caring for Chilli 'Elefant'
Sow the chilli seeds indoors from February or March in a warm, bright location. The seeds germinate reliably in a nutrient-rich, loose and well-draining compost with consistent moisture. After the last frosts, young plants can be transplanted outdoors or into larger containers.
A sunny, sheltered position encourages healthy growth, good yields and rich flavour. Regular watering and balanced feeding will support the development of many long fruits. Chilli 'Elefant' is suitable for open ground and performs well in pots too.
Other names
Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
German: Chili Elefant, Peperoni Elefant, Paprika-Chili Elefant
English: Elephant Chilli, Elephant Pepper, Elephant Trunk Pepper
French: Piment Elephant, Piment doux Elephant
Italian: Peperoncino Elefante, Peperone Elefante
Spanish: Chile Elefante, Chile largo Elefante
Dutch: Elefant Chili, Paprika Elefant
Login
