Devil's Tongue Orange Hot Pepper
Combines powerful heat with a delicious fruity flavor appreciated by artisan hot sauce enthusiasts. Its brilliant orange fruits and abundant production make it an outstanding variety.
identification
description
Hot Pepper ‘Devil’s Tongue Orange’ (Capsicum chinense) is a spectacular variety from Pennsylvania, United States, known for its elongated, bumpy fruits that ripen to bright orange. Their shape resembles a flaming tongue, giving the plant strong ornamental value in the vegetable garden, in containers, or on a sunny patio. The sturdy, easy-to-grow, highly prolific plant reaches up to 90 cm (35 in) tall and produces many fruits measuring approximately 7 cm (3 in). With a heat level of 125,000 to 325,000 SHU, this pepper is ideal for lovers of powerful heat while also offering a sweet, fruity flavor.
Hot Pepper ‘Devil’s Tongue Orange’ requires full sun, plenty of warmth, and rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Start seeds around mid-February, approximately 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, at an ideal temperature of 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). Germination typically takes 10 to 20 days. Once seedlings develop 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots before gradually hardening them off outdoors. After the last frost, plant them in the garden or in containers of at least 7 L (2 gal), spacing plants 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) apart. Regular watering without excess and fertilization every two to three weeks encourage abundant harvests.
In the garden, this pepper is ideal for collector vegetable gardens, balconies, warm patios, and small spaces where a productive, colorful, and intense plant is desired. It grows well alongside tomatoes, basil, and cilantro, while benefiting from being planted away from fennel and beets. Its flowers may attract pollinators, while its bright orange fruits are excellent for homemade hot sauces, marinades, dehydrated chili powders, and spicy dishes. Its powerful heat should be used carefully; wear gloves when handling the fruits and avoid contact with the eyes or sensitive skin.
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