Capsicum chinenseis frequently used as a spice for food. The term “Chinese” suggests that the plant is from China, but this pepper originated from Colombia and Brazil. It is one of the hottest chilis known. The fruits’ flavor has been compared to a mixture of pepper and garlic, with overtones of citrus and raisins.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Capsicum chinense is a small shrub native to Central America and also called Carolina reaper, Habanero type pepper. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate some semi-shade. This plant is a spice or herb and is cold hardy in USDA Zone 10 -12.
The stem of yellow lantern chili is typically green, smooth, and slender, with a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 inches (0.25 to 1.3 cm). It exhibits a branching pattern that is sympodial, where each segment forms a new branch. Notably, nodes on the stem may darken to purple, providing a key identifying feature. These stems can reach a height of up to 3 feet (90 cm) in optimal growing conditions, displaying moderate stiffness and flexibility.
The leaves of yellow lantern chili are typically ovate, measuring up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. They exhibit a rich deep green shade and often display a crinkled surface texture. In some cases, they can be light to medium green, egg-shaped, reaching up to 15 cm (6 inches) long and 10 cm (4 inches) wide. The crinkled texture of the leaf surface is a distinct characteristic essential for identification.
The flowers of yellow lantern chili are white, typically displaying 5-parted, star-shaped structures. The petals are greenish white and egg-shaped, arranged symmetrically around the center. These flowers start blooming in June and continue until the first frost. Each flower measures approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter. They exhibit a subtle, natural scent, crucial for identification. The consistent shape and color make them distinguishable from other similar species.
The fruit of yellow lantern chili is a non-pulpy berry, notable for its wide variety in color and morphology. Sizes range from approximately 0.6 to 12.7 cm (0.24 to 5 inches) in length, with a potential variety of shapes from elongated and slender to shorter with a more rounded profile. Texturally, many of these fruits exhibit a distinct, lumpy and crinkled surface. They are characterized by high levels of capsaicin, contributing to their spicy taste. The colors of the ripe fruits also vary greatly, adding to their distinctive appearance.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Yellow lantern chili likes sufficient sunlight, but it cannot tolerate blazing sunlight. The length of sunlight exposure has little effect on its growth. Therefore, it is adaptable for cultivation in different latitudes worldwide.
Temperature
Yellow lantern chili enjoys a high-temperature habitat and is widely planted in temperate and tropical zones. The plant generally grows in environments with temperatures above 5 ℃. The optimum temperature for its growth is 15 to 25 ℃. When the temperature is lower than 15 ℃, its growth and development stop, and when the temperature is above 35 ℃, germination and pollination are affected, leading to fruit deformation or yield decrease. Generally speaking, bell peppers are more sensitive to temperature than chili peppers, so they are more easily affected by hot weather.
Yellow lantern chili has some drought tolerance, but there is a great difference among the varieties. In general, varieties with small fruits are more drought-tolerant than those with large fruits. The plant requires sufficient water in its soil, but should not be watered too much. Too much water will cause root rot. Its preferred air humidity for growth is 60-80%. If the air is excessively dry, it should be humidified by spraying water.
Watering
Originating from warm, humid regions, yellow lantern chili thrives with consistent moisture and high humidity, reflecting its tropical heritage. It has moderate drought tolerance but flourishes when the soil is kept evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. Watering every week maintains this balance, supporting healthy growth. Typically grown outdoors due to its need for a warm climate, yellow lantern chili benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture during its active growing season.
Soil
Yellow lantern chili requires a well-drained and permeable culture medium with sufficient nutrients and a soil pH of 6.2-7.2, or neutral to weakly acidic. The growth of its seeds and roots requires an air-permeable environment, so the soil should be turned over often to avoid hardening. If it is planted in a garden, plant it in a high place for good water drainage. The culture medium should be disinfected and sterilized before transplanting.
Sunlight and chemical sterilization of the soil is generally employed. This means evenly paving the medium, covering it with a black film, and then exposing it to the sun for 15 days. After that, pesticides like Carbendazim are added at the instructed dosage, then mixed evenly to achieve the effect of sterilization.
Fertilizing
For yellow lantern chili, a schedule alternating between high phosphorus and balanced fertilizers fosters robust growth and bountiful harvests. Initiate monthly feeding in the growing season, tapering to once every two months as the plant matures. A tablespoon per plant suffices, but halve for young yellow lantern chili. Over-fertilization risks growth imbalance; under-fertilization may hamper yields. Differences in sunlight, temperature, and growth phase dictate adjustments in type and frequency. Always water yellow lantern chili post-fertilization to prevent root burn and facilitate nutrient absorption for healthy development.
Planting Instructions
Seeds of yellow lantern chili should be sown under good conditions, namely at a temperature of 25 to 30 ℃, humidity at 60-80%, and in well-permeable soil. Before sowing, the seeds should be exposed to sunlight for 2-3 days for sterilization and promotion of seed germination. The sowing spacing should be 2.5 cm, and the sowing depth should be 1.3 cm. After sowing, cover the area with a layer of fine soil.
Pay attention to heat preservation in the first 10 days after sowing. Cover soil with a film; no ventilation is required. This is because the seeds of yellow lantern chili require a warm environment for germination. When the seedlings break the earth and grow 2-4 leaves each, the film should be removed for proper ventilation. The growth temperature should be maintained at 20 to 25 ℃ in the daytime and 15 to 17 ℃ at night. Remove any weeds and apply proper urea as a foliar fertilizer.
As for transplanting, healthy seedlings with 12-13 leaves each and hard stems are best. It is preferable to transplant them on a cloudy day, and the temperature should remain stable at over 10 ℃ to protect them from frost. It is better to transplant the seedlings with the surrounding soil to protect the roots and supply an adaptable amount of nutrients. The planting depth should be 10 cm and the plant spacing should be 20 to 30 cm. After transplanting, the gap can be filled with fine soil, and the seedlings should be watered promptly. The soil surface can be covered with a thin layer of mulch to keep yellow lantern chili warm.
Pruning
Yellow lantern chili is pruned mainly to meet the fruits’ need for nutrients. Be diligent about removing the old leaves and weak lateral branches at the bottom of the plant to ensure ventilation and light transmission and increase its photosynthesis. At the same time, pruning also reduces unnecessary nutrition consumption and ensures the nutritional demand of fruits are met.
Propagation
Yellow lantern chili, known for its vibrant yellow fruit, thrives when propagated through sowing. To maximize germination rates, use fresh seeds and plant them in a well-draining, nutrient-rich growing medium. Pre-soaking the seeds for 8-24 hours can enhance germination. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and provide warmth to aid in the process. Once seedlings emerge, they require ample sunlight and protection from extreme conditions until they are robust enough for transplantation.
Transplanting
Transplant yellow lantern chili in the warmth of early to mid-summer to ensure robust growth. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. When handling yellow lantern chili, be gentle to avoid root shock and give them room to flourish.
III. Harvesting and Storage
After fruiting, yellow lantern chili can be harvested at any time. The fruits, whether red or green, can be eaten and used as a seasoning. The plant’s longest fruit period is 120 days. Earlier fruit should be harvested promptly, which prevents the plant from supplying nutrients to the earlier fruits only and affecting the growth of later fruits. Yellow lantern chili’s branches are very fragile, so be careful when harvesting its fruits to avoid accidentally breaking branches. Once found, abnormal and poor-quality fruits should be removed promptly to ensure the growth of other fruits.
