Bishop's crown
Capsicum baccatum
Also known asChristmas bell · Ubatuba · Joker's hat · Friar's hat
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–13 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, calcium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A specialty pepper for hobbyist hydroponic growers who want unusual varieties. EC 2.0-3.0 mS/cm. pH 5.8-6.5. Temperature: 22–30°C (C. baccatum species prefer warm conditions). High light (DLI 18-25 mol/m2/day). Plants are large and benefit from staking or caging. The long growing season (100-120 days to ripe fruit) means this variety is best suited to greenhouse or indoor growing where the season can extend beyond outdoor limits. Fruiting is moderate: 15-30 fruits per plant over a season. The unusual shape makes individual fruits larger than they appear; each fruit weighs 15–30 g. For culinary use, separate the sweet wing lobes (for salads, salsas, or raw eating) from the hot central core (for sauces or as a heat element). The fruits are visually striking and make excellent gifts or farmers' market conversation pieces. Calcium supplementation during fruiting prevents blossom end rot. A fun specialty crop, though not as productive per square meter as more conventional pepper varieties. The unusual fruit shape dries well and makes attractive kitchen decorations or holiday ornaments.