Capsicum baccatum

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

Giant Bishop’s Crown is a larger and more fleshy selection of the classic Bishop’s Crown, also known as Christmas Bell or Orchid Pepper. This heirloom variety has its roots in South America and the Caribbean, and is easily recognised by its three-winged, crown-like shape. The giant form was selected for its increased pod size, making it better suited to stuffing and grilling while retaining the sweet, fruity flavour typical of baccatum chillis.

With a gentle heat level between 5,000 and 30,000 Scoville units, Giant Bishop’s Crown offers a pleasing balance between sweetness and spice. The wings are typically mild and juicy, while the centre holds a gentle warmth. The flavour is bright, with tart and apple-like undertones. It’s an excellent choice for salsas, pickles, and stuffed chilli recipes where shape and flavour matter equally.

Seeds should be started indoors eight to ten weeks before your last frost. Sow seeds 5 mm deep in a well-draining Germination Mix and maintain a soil temperature of 20 to 25 °C using a Germination Heating Pad. Germination may take 15 to 30 days. Warmth and steady moisture are important for consistent germination.

Once frost has passed, transplant seedlings into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. These are vigorous, high-yielding plants that reach between 90 and 180 cm tall and may require staking or space to sprawl. Pods mature around 90 to 100 days after transplant and should be harvested once they fully colour from green to bright red. Their unique shape and mellow heat make them an attractive and useful addition to any chilli garden.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds