Red Cherry Small is a hot Calabrian heritage chilli with distinctive round cherry-shaped fruits. The heat is real but not overwhelming. In Calabria, these are the chillies that end up in olive oil, in nduja, and scattered over pizza.
Compact plants that produce generously. Grow in a polytunnel or on a sunny windowsill. The small fruits dry well and look beautiful strung on a thread in the kitchen. Ornamental and functional.
Chilli Pepper ‘Red Cherry Small’ (Capsicum annuum L.), also known as ‘Piccante Calabrese’, is a cherished heritage variety from Calabria. These distinctive, round, cherry-shaped chillies are hot but renowned for their exceptional, fruity flavour that shines when cooked. Traditionally stuffed with tuna and preserved in olive oil, they lose about half their heat when cooked, making them perfect for flavourful stuffing, pickling, or sauces. This packet contains approximately 120 seeds.
🌱 Sow in Spring indoors. Needs warmth to germinate. Transplant to full sun after frost.
☀️ Requires full sun & heat. Best in a greenhouse or against a sunny wall in Ireland.
💧 Water consistently. Avoid waterlogging.
📏 Compact plant. Produces abundant round, red chillies.
Bullet Technical Data
🌱 Depth: 0.5 cm
📅 Sow: Spring (Feb-Apr) indoors
☀️ Light: Full sun
🌡️ Germ: 14-30 days (needs heat)
📏 Height: 50-70 cm
🪴 Space: 40-50 cm
⏳ Harvest: 80-90 days (red)
🪙 Seeds: Approx. 120 seeds
