Wild chilli pepper seeds
Wild chillies are the original ancestors of all modern chilli varieties. In this category, you'll find wild chilli seeds and so-called heirloom chillies – plants that represent the very beginning of cultivated chilli breeding.
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In fact, several wild chilli species still exist today – the botanical source from which nearly a thousand known chilli varieties worldwide have evolved. These wild chillies are considered especially original and differ significantly from modern cultivars.
Wild chillies are typically characterised by their very small fruits, which often develop a surprisingly intense heat. The best-known example is the Tepin chilli – a wild form of Capsicum annuum from Mexico, often referred to as an ancestral or “mother” chilli.
In their native regions, wild chillies are still foraged, dried and traded by hand. Due to the laborious harvesting of the tiny pods, true wild chillies often command high prices and are regarded as rare specialities.
Wild chilli seeds are particularly suited to experienced chilli enthusiasts who want to grow original, untamed varieties and explore the roots of chilli history. With sufficient warmth and light, wild chillies can also be successfully cultivated in central Europe. For guidance, see our chilli sowing guide.
