How to Grow Red Habanero Chillies from Seed
The habanero everyone means: squat, crinkled, scarlet when ripe, with unmistakable tropical fruitiness under a serious heat.
This is the habanero everyone means when they say habanero: squat, crinkled and scarlet when ripe, carrying that unmistakable tropical fruitiness under a serious heat.
It is the standard against which other habaneros are judged, and the right starting point if you are moving up from jalapeños.
Species
Capsicum chinense
Heat
Very hot
Sow
January to February
Harvest
September to October
Best Grown
Greenhouse or polytunnel
Difficulty
Full growing method
Red habanero is grown like every other Capsicum chinense. Our species guide covers sowing temperatures, potting on, feeding, pollination, overwintering and problems step by step.
Read the Capsicum chinense guide →About this Variety
The fruit
Squat, crinkled lantern pods ripening from green to scarlet.
The flavour
Classic tropical habanero fruitiness with serious heat.
Who it suits
The natural next step for growers moving up from jalapeños.
Growing note
Pick fully red for the best flavour. Green fruit has heat but little of the fruit.
Handling
Wear gloves when cutting or deseeding habaneros, and keep your hands away from your eyes and face.
Sowing & Harvest Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Sow, heated | ||||||||||||
| 🪴 Final pots | ||||||||||||
| 🌶️ Harvest |
Variety Specifications
The classic habanero
Sow in January, keep it warm under glass, and pick scarlet, fruity habaneros through autumn.
Shop Habanero Red Seeds →