Overview:
Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L. is a perennial plant, that is part of the Solanaceae family. It is widely known and utilized for its numerous medicinal and culinary applications. Commonly referred to as bird's eye chili, it is one of the hottest chili peppers found across the world.
Origin:
The bird's eye chili is native to South America, but has since been introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. It is now grown and cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names:
Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L. is commonly known by a variety of names, including bird's eye chili, piri-piri, African devil, and Thai pepper.
Uses:
The bird's eye chili has a long history of use for both medicinal and culinary purposes. In traditional medicine, it is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-malarial properties. It is also used to treat conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders. In the culinary world, it is primarily used to add heat and flavor to dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian and African cuisine. It is often used in marinades, sauces, and rubs for meat dishes, as well as in curries and stir-fries.
General Appearance:
The bird's eye chili plant is a small perennial shrub that grows up to 1m in height. The leaves are dark green and glossy and can grow up to 7cm in length. The small, elongated fruits are around 2-3cm long and usually grow in clusters. The color of the fruit varies from green to red and are extremely spicy, measuring between 50,000 to 100,000 on the Scoville scale.
Light Requirements
Capsicum frutescens requires full sunlight exposure in order to grow optimally. It can tolerate partial shade but it is not recommended. The plant needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to blossom and produce fruit.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature for the growth of Capsicum frutescens is between 18°C to 35°C (65°F to 95°F) but it can tolerate temperature extremes of 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F) for short periods of time. However, below 10°C (50°F) the growth rate slows down considerably and it may die if exposed to frost.
Soil Requirements
Capsicum frutescens prefers well-draining, loamy soil, rich in organic matter. It grows best in a pH range of 6.0-7.0 but can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. The addition of compost, manure or other organic materials helps to improve soil condition and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L., also known as the Bird's Eye Chili, is a popular plant to cultivate for its fiery and zesty taste in many dishes. This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions, making it ideal for tropical or subtropical areas. You can grow this pepper plant in either a greenhouse or an outdoor garden, depending on your location and climate.
The first step to plant this chili is to choose a sunny spot that is sheltered from heavy winds. Ideally, the soil you select should be well-draining to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
You can plant Capsicum frutescens seeds either indoors or outdoors, depending on the season. If planting indoors, sow the seeds in a seedling tray in late winter or early spring. The seedlings should then be transplanted outdoors in late spring once the risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly into the soil outdoors in late spring or early summer.
Watering needs
Capsicum frutescens plants require moderate watering to avoid both droughts and waterlogging. Water the plants once a week or more often if the soil is dry. It's crucial not to overwater your plants and let them get adequate drainage.
You can also use a drip system or a soaker hose to keep the soil consistently moist. Be sure to water your chili plant thoroughly to reach the roots and encourage the growth of your plant. Additionally, avoid watering the leaves and stem of the plant to prevent the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Providing your Capsicum frutescens plant with the right type and amount of fertilizer can improve your plant's growth and fruit production. It's essential to fertilize the plant during its growing cycle, which is usually from early spring to late autumn.
The best fertilizer for these plants is a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a 5-10-5 ratio. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer to feed the plants gently, and avoid using too much fertilizer as this can cause damage to your plant.
It's recommended to fertilize your plants every two weeks from spring to summer when the plant is in its growing phase. During the winter, reduce fertilization to once a month if required
Pruning
Pruning Capsicum frutescens plants can help to promote the growth of new branches and produce a higher yield of fruit. It's best to start pruning your plant when it reaches around six inches in height.
You can prune the pepper plant by cutting off the top of the main stem, removing any side shoots emanating from the stem's base, or trimming the damaged or diseased parts. Prune your chili plant regularly; however, avoid pruning too much off the plant at one time as this can cause excessive stress and impact your future crops.
Propagation of Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L.
Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L. or commonly known as the Chili Peppers, can be propagated through various methods such as seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is the most common method of propagating chili peppers. Seeds can be extracted from ripe chili peppers and dried in a shaded area for about a week before planting.
The usual practice is to sow the seeds indoors in a seed-starting mix before the planting season. Capsicum frutescens seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days at a temperature of around 70°F (21°C) or higher. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed their serrated leaves, and during transplanting, the root ball should be handled carefully to prevent damage.
Stem Cuttings
An alternative method of propagating Capsicum frutescens is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings from the mother plant can be taken in late spring or early summer, making sure that the cutting is at least 3 inches long and has at least two nodes.
The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root development before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings require a warm and humid environment until rooting is complete, and then they can be moved to individual pots and cared for until they reach maturity.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Capsicum frutescens. To do this, the stem of the mother plant is slightly damaged or bent to create a wound to the plant's tissue. The wounded area is then covered with soil or compost.
The plant responds to the injury by producing roots, and in about four weeks, an offshoot emerges from the covered area. When the cutting has a well-formed root and a growing offshoot above the soil level, it is detached from the mother plant and can be grown on its own as a new Capsicum frutescens plant.
Disease Management
Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L. is susceptible to various diseases that can impact its growth and yield. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the fruits and leaves of the plant, leading to reduced yield. It can be controlled by removing affected plant parts and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial spot: This disease produces brownish-black spots on the leaves and fruits of the plant. Infected seeds and transplants are the primary source of bacterial spot. It can be managed by practicing crop rotation and applying copper-based fungicides.
- Phytophthora blight: This fungal disease causes the plant's root and stem to rot, eventually leading to wilting and death. It can be managed by planting in well-drained soils and treating with appropriate fungicides.
To prevent and manage diseases in Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L., it is important to maintain proper sanitation practices, plant disease-resistant varieties, and practice crop rotation. Early detection and prompt action can also help in preventing the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L. is also prone to attacks from various pests that damage the plant and reduce its yield. Some common pests include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or treating with insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These pests feed on and damage the flower buds and developing fruit. They can be controlled by using insecticides and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Mites: These small pests suck the sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be controlled by using miticides and practicing proper sanitation practices to reduce their infestation.
To manage pests in Capsicum frutescens sensu Standl., non L., it is important to practice proper cultural practices such as removing weeds and dead plant matter, using pest-resistant varieties, and practicing crop rotation. Monitoring the plants regularly for early signs of pest infestation can also help in prompt management.
