Originating in Mexico, the Cascabel is a traditional Capsicum annuum variety that has been cultivated for generations and remains an important ingredient in authentic Mexican cuisine. Its name, meaning “little rattle”, comes from the distinctive sound made by the loose seeds inside the dried pods. The compact to medium-sized plants are vigorous and productive, producing generous crops of small, round fruits that ripen from green to a rich deep red before drying to a glossy reddish-brown. Cascabel chillies offer a mild to medium heat with a pleasantly nutty, slightly smoky flavour and subtle notes of dried fruit, making them a popular choice for salsas, soups, stews and traditional mole sauces. Easy to grow and highly ornamental when laden with fruit, Cascabel is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow an authentic Mexican culinary chilli with outstanding flavour rather than extreme heat.
Did you know? The name “Cascabel” translates as “little rattle”, referring to the dry seeds that rattle inside the mature pods.
- Species: Capsicum annuum
- Heat: 1,000 – 3,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
- Growth Habit: Medium bush.
- Approximate height: 60 – 90cm
- Flavour: Nutty, earthy, slightly smoky
- Best uses: Mexican sauces/ dishes, drying.
Cascabel chilli plant Care instructions.
Congratulations on your new chilli plant! Chilli plants are surprisingly easy to grow and can produce an abundance of fruit with just a little
care.
Sunlight
Chilli plants love sunshine. Place your plant in the brightest position available, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering
Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of compost begin to dry out. During hot weather, plants growing in containers may need watering daily.
Feeding
For the best results, feed regularly with a good quality tomato or chilli fertiliser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Temperature
Chilli plants prefer warm conditions and thrive during the summer months. Protect from frost and cold winds.
Harvesting
Most chillies change colour as they ripen. Fruits can usually be harvested at any stage, but allowing them to fully ripen will often improve flavour and heat.
Common Questions
• Drooping leaves on a hot day are often normal and usually recover in the evening.
• Yellowing lower leaves can occur naturally as plants mature.
• Flowers may occasionally drop during periods of stress or temperature fluctuations.
With plenty of sunlight, regular watering and feeding, your chilli plant should reward you with a fantastic harvest throughout the growing season.
Want Even Better Results?
The care guide above will help most growers achieve excellent results. However, experienced growers often take things further by adjusting feeding programmes throughout the season, monitoring pH levels, using beneficial microbes, applying plant stimulants, and tailoring nutrition to the plant’s stage of growth. If you’d like to get the absolute best from your plant, drop into The Spice Cupboard and we’ll be happy to discuss more advanced growing techniques and products!
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