Pepper, Fish Hot
Pepper, Fish Hot (Capsicum annuum ‘Fish Pepper’)
Fish Pepper is a historic African American heirloom with deep roots in the Chesapeake Bay region, where it was traditionally used to season seafood dishes. This unique variety is known for its striking variegated foliage and beautifully striped fruits that mature through a range of colors. With medium heat and excellent flavor, it’s both a culturally significant and visually stunning addition to the garden.
Key Characteristics
Historic heirloom with culinary roots in seafood traditions
Fish Pepper was traditionally used in oyster houses and seafood kitchens, where its balanced heat and flavor complemented fish and shellfish dishes. It offers a medium heat (5,000–30,000 Scoville units) with a slightly sweet, complex flavor that works well in sauces, salsas, and cooking.
Ornamental variegation in leaves and fruits
One of the most distinctive features of this variety is its green-and-white variegated foliage, which adds visual interest even before fruiting. The peppers themselves emerge striped green and white, then ripen through orange to red, often retaining striping along the way.
Versatile medium-heat pepper for fresh and cooked use
The slender, tapered fruits are excellent for fresh use, pickling, and sauces. Their moderate heat and balanced flavor make them adaptable in the kitchen, especially for those who want more depth than mild peppers without extreme spice.
Productive plants with strong garden presence
Fish Pepper plants are vigorous and produce steadily throughout the season. Their ornamental qualities make them ideal for containers, borders, and prominent garden placements, where both foliage and fruit can be appreciated.
- Native range: United States (African American heirloom, Chesapeake region)
- Plant life cycle: Annual
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained, fertile
- Mature height: 24–36 inches
- Bloom time: May – August
- Bloom color: White
- USDA Hardiness zones: Grown as an annual in all zones
For best results, plant in full sun to enhance variegation and fruit production. Harvest at different stages for a range of flavors and heat levels, and use both its ornamental and culinary qualities to full advantage in the garden.
Original: $3.25
-65%$3.25
$1.14Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Pepper, Fish Hot (Capsicum annuum ‘Fish Pepper’)
Fish Pepper is a historic African American heirloom with deep roots in the Chesapeake Bay region, where it was traditionally used to season seafood dishes. This unique variety is known for its striking variegated foliage and beautifully striped fruits that mature through a range of colors. With medium heat and excellent flavor, it’s both a culturally significant and visually stunning addition to the garden.
Key Characteristics
Historic heirloom with culinary roots in seafood traditions
Fish Pepper was traditionally used in oyster houses and seafood kitchens, where its balanced heat and flavor complemented fish and shellfish dishes. It offers a medium heat (5,000–30,000 Scoville units) with a slightly sweet, complex flavor that works well in sauces, salsas, and cooking.
Ornamental variegation in leaves and fruits
One of the most distinctive features of this variety is its green-and-white variegated foliage, which adds visual interest even before fruiting. The peppers themselves emerge striped green and white, then ripen through orange to red, often retaining striping along the way.
Versatile medium-heat pepper for fresh and cooked use
The slender, tapered fruits are excellent for fresh use, pickling, and sauces. Their moderate heat and balanced flavor make them adaptable in the kitchen, especially for those who want more depth than mild peppers without extreme spice.
Productive plants with strong garden presence
Fish Pepper plants are vigorous and produce steadily throughout the season. Their ornamental qualities make them ideal for containers, borders, and prominent garden placements, where both foliage and fruit can be appreciated.
- Native range: United States (African American heirloom, Chesapeake region)
- Plant life cycle: Annual
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained, fertile
- Mature height: 24–36 inches
- Bloom time: May – August
- Bloom color: White
- USDA Hardiness zones: Grown as an annual in all zones
For best results, plant in full sun to enhance variegation and fruit production. Harvest at different stages for a range of flavors and heat levels, and use both its ornamental and culinary qualities to full advantage in the garden.
