Capsicum annuum

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

Hangjiao No 4, better known as Comet’s Tail, is a chilli pepper like no other. It was developed from an experiment that quite literally reached for the stars. In 1987, Chinese scientists launched pepper seeds into space aboard a satellite, aiming to trigger natural mutations by exposing them to cosmic radiation and zero gravity. From this pioneering "space pepper" programme, Hangjiao No 4 emerged with striking physical traits. Its pods are long, curling, and deeply ridged, trailing like the tail of a comet across the night sky. Celebrated in China for its appearance, dependable yields, and balanced heat, it has since gained popularity among gardeners and chefs around the world.

Each fruit can grow up to 30 centimetres long with a glossy red skin and exaggerated twists. The heat is moderate, typically between 3 000 and 5 000 Scoville Heat Units, providing a warm but manageable burn. Its flavour is full and fruity with light smoky undertones, making it ideal for stir-fries, chilli sauces, pickles, and dried chilli powders. These peppers are as much a culinary ingredient as a conversation piece.

Sow seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last expected frost. Plant seeds 5 millimetres deep in a well-drained medium and maintain soil temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. Germination takes between 10 and 20 days. Once seedlings are established, harden them off and transplant outdoors when night-time temperatures remain above 15 degrees Celsius.

The plants are compact, growing 50 to 70 centimetres tall, and suit garden beds, containers, or greenhouse tunnels. They thrive in full sun with fertile, well-watered soil. Hangjiao No 4 is known for its high productivity and will bear fruit consistently through the warm season.

For South African growers, Comet’s Tail offers something truly special. With its space-age heritage, striking form, and practical culinary uses, it is both a visual highlight and a reliable producer in the summer garden.