Chiltepin
Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum
Also known asTepin · Bird's beak chile (literal Nahuatl) · Chile mosquito · Chile pequin (related cultivar group)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | 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 | 1.6 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
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
Similar culture to chile pequin but even more demanding about germination. Seeds have a hard seed coat and germination is notoriously slow and unreliable (3-8 weeks). Stratification (cold treatment), scarification (light sandpaper abrasion), or gibberellic acid soaking all improve germination rates. EC 1.8-2.5 mS/cm. pH 5.8-6.5. Temperature: 24–35°C (desert origin; grows best in sustained heat). High light (DLI 18-28 mol/m2/day). In the wild, chiltepin grows in partial shade under nurse trees, but in hydroponic culture it performs well in full light. The plants are small (30–60 cm) and produce tiny, round fruits prolifically once established. Perennial in frost-free conditions; the woody base survives for years. Harvest red fruits individually (they're tiny, so this is tedious but meditative). Dry by spreading in a single layer on screens; the small size means they dry quickly. The extreme retail value of dried chiltepin ($40-80/kg) makes this a surprisingly economical specialty crop for growers who can produce it. The unique flavor (intense, brief heat with a distinctive smoky-fruity quality) has no substitute.