Datil
Capsicum chinense
Also known asDatil pepper · St. Augustine datil
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 productive Capsicum chinense for hydroponic growing, with the same basic requirements as habaneros. EC 2.0-3.0 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 24–32°C (C. chinense species demand sustained warmth). High light (DLI 18-25 mol/m2/day). The plants are somewhat more compact than habaneros and produce heavily in DWC, Dutch bucket, or drip systems. From transplant to first ripe fruit: 90-110 days (chinense peppers have a long season). Each plant produces 30-60 fruits over a growing season under good hydroponic conditions. Harvest when fruits are fully yellow-orange. The primary use is hot sauce: blend ripe datils with vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of sugar for a fruity, hot condiment. Datil pepper jelly (sweet, with chunks of pepper) is another classic preparation. Calcium supplementation during fruiting prevents blossom end rot. The plants are perennial in warm conditions and continue producing for 2+ years. For hot sauce enthusiasts outside northeast Florida, growing your own datils is the only reliable way to access this regional specialty.