There’s something about a bastard that draws us in, isn’t there? They shouldn’t have that kind of power over us, yet here we are—captivated, even as we know they bring trouble. Charmed, despite our better judgment. And so it is with these chillies.
Each one is a glorious bastard in its own right—born from fiery lineages, carrying the heat of their ancestors and a dangerous charm all their own. They don’t ask for permission, they just blaze through the garden, turning heads with their vivid colours and fierce heat. You know they’re trouble, but still, you can’t help but admire them.
Deadly, yes. Attractive, without a doubt. And hotter than you probably bargained for. Yet, there’s no denying their allure. These chillies are as seductive as they are unforgiving—drawing you in with their beauty before showing you exactly why they shouldn’t be underestimated.
So, proceed with caution, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling for their spell. After all, it’s hard to resist a bit of danger, especially when it’s wrapped in something this enticing.
Pimenta Puma
The Pimenta Puma is the Heathcliff of the chilli world—dark, intense, and just a little wild. Bred from a Yellow Habanero and Pimenta da Neyde, it carries a certain brooding charisma that’s hard to ignore. Much like the anti-hero of Wuthering Heights, this chilli doesn’t follow the rules of polite society. Instead, it thrives on its untamed nature, producing heat and beauty in equal measure.
Pimenta da Neyde is a legend among chilli breeders, known for its deep purple-black foliage and intense growth, and it’s easy to see why. The Puma inherits these striking looks, with pods that begin as solid black, like storm clouds gathering on the moors.
A distinguished presence, hiding a wild heart
As they ripen, they take on copper and amber hues, a slow burn of colour against the dark, wild foliage. It’s a chilli that, much like Heathcliff, doesn’t rely on charm to make an impression. Its presence alone is enough—imposing, magnetic, and just a little dangerous.
Growing the Pimenta Puma requires patience, and perhaps a bit of resilience. Like Heathcliff, it doesn’t show all its cards right away. At first, it holds back, slow to flower, as if testing your commitment. But once it gets going, it reveals its true nature…
Growing the Pimenta Puma requires patience, and perhaps a bit of resilience. Like Heathcliff, it doesn’t show all its cards right away. At first, it holds back, slow to flower, as if testing your commitment. But once it gets going, it reveals its true nature—an explosion of wedge-shaped pods that cover the plant in abundance.
Outdoors, the plant stays compact, much like something that’s learned to survive in harsh conditions. But in a greenhouse, it stretches out, producing even more, its dark leaves and rich pods an untamed beauty amidst more conventional plants.
When it comes to flavour, the Puma doesn’t disappoint. There’s a Chinense fruitiness, a depth to the heat that feels more complex than a typical chilli. It’s not as fiery as a Habanero, but it comes close, with a slow burn that lingers—much like the way Heathcliff’s presence lingers long after he’s gone from the room.
In a dish, this chilli adds both heat and intrigue, with just enough sharpness to remind you of its wild roots. It’s a chilli that leaves a mark, much like its literary counterpart.
The Pimenta Puma is one of those rare chillies that balances beauty, heat, and productivity without compromising on any front. It may be a little slower to start, but once it does, the plant rewards you with a steady crop of dark, intense pods that keep coming well into the autumn.
It’s not for the faint of heart—this chilli demands a little patience and care, but the payoff is worth it. Like Heathcliff, the Pimenta Puma is full of contradictions—beautiful yet fierce, slow to trust but unstoppable once it takes root. If you’re looking for a chilli that challenges and rewards in equal measure, the Pimenta Puma is more than worthy of your attention.
Peach Gum Tiger
The Peach Gum Tiger is a chilli that doesn’t skulk about the garden, hoping to remain unnoticed. No, it’s more like Mr. Mellors from Lady Chatterley’s Lover, leaning against a garden gate—unassuming at first glance but full of quiet confidence.
Bred by Enrico Lai of Mojo Peppers, it’s a cross between a 7 Pot Bubblegum Mamp and a Pink Tiger, inheriting both heat and beauty from its impressive lineage. At around 300,000 Scoville Heat Units, it’s no lightweight, offering a heat that’s on par with a hot Habanero but with a distinct character all its own.
In the hands of the quiet, the fiercest things grow
What really sets the Peach Gum Tiger apart, though, is its ornamental appeal. Much like Mellors’ unexpected allure, the plant itself draws attention with its striking purple-black foliage, a trait passed down from the Pimenta da Neyde.
The pods, which start a deep, dark purple, slowly ripen into a soft peach colour with hints of purple streaking through—a visual delight that makes it one of the most striking chillies I’ve ever grown. The peach-coloured calyx is an added nod to its Bubblegum heritage, completing the plant’s cohesive and eye-catching look.
What really sets the Peach Gum Tiger apart, though, is its ornamental appeal. Much like Mellors’ unexpected allure, the plant itself draws attention with its striking purple-black foliage, a trait passed down from the Pimenta da Neyde.
But it’s not all about appearances. When you slice open a pod, the fragrance immediately hits—a heady scent that’s sharp and fruity, characteristic of the Chinense variety. The flavour is similarly complex: fruity, yes, but with a crisp sharpness that cuts through rich or oily dishes with ease.
There’s even a hint of something peachy, although whether that’s the mind playing tricks because of the pod’s colour or an actual note in the flavour, I couldn’t say. What I do know is that the Peach Gum Tiger delivers a flavour that’s clean and bright, the kind of chilli that leaves a lasting impression without overwhelming the palate. It’s as much about balance as it is about heat.
Growing Peach Gum Tiger was a pleasure this year. I had two plants—one outdoors and one in the greenhouse—and both performed admirably. The outdoor plant, in particular, was a real show-stopper, growing bushy and compact with its rich, purple foliage taking centre stage on the patio.
The greenhouse plant, on the other hand, shot up to a metre and a half, producing well over a hundred pods by the time September rolled around, with more flowers still appearing. The pods kept coming, their colours shifting in that slow, mesmerising way that makes you pause to admire the plant every time you walk past.
Though Peach Gum Tiger is an F3 variety, meaning there can be some variation in pod size, colour, and heat from plant to plant, this unpredictability adds to its charm. It’s a chilli that feels fresh, new, and exciting, a bit like growing something on the edge of discovery.
Each pod holds the potential for something slightly different, but all of them share the same core traits—beauty, heat, and a flavour that keeps you coming back for more. For me, the Peach Gum Tiger is more than just a chilli—it’s a conversation piece, a plant that delights both in the garden and in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for something fresh, unique, and undeniably striking, the Peach Gum Tiger is a chilli worth growing. It’s a plant that, much like Mellors in his quiet moments, exudes a charm that doesn’t need to be loud to be noticed. And once you’ve grown it, you’ll find it hard to resist its pull.
Borg 9
The Borg 9 is the chilli that strides into your garden like Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby—rich, brash, and utterly unbothered by the havoc it leaves in its wake.
Bright orange, twisted, and formidable, this chilli doesn’t just ask for attention; it demands it. Bred from a 7 Pot Bubblegum and Naglah, the Borg 9 flaunts its power without hesitation.
As it ripens, the pods turn a vibrant orange, almost glowing against the green leaves, much like Tom’s wealth gleamed against the backdrop of Gatsby’s world.
The chilli that demands attention
The plant grows tall and robust, producing pod after pod with effortless ease, as if it's simply accustomed to getting what it wants. And once it starts, there’s no stopping it. The fruit keeps coming, relentless in its abundance, much like a certain someone who never felt the need to face consequences for his actions.
The Borg 9 is the chilli that strides into your garden like Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby—rich, brash, and utterly unbothered by the havoc it leaves in its wake. This chilli doesn’t just ask for attention; it demands it.
When you bite into a Borg 9, the heat hits immediately, a sharp burn that doesn’t wait to build but explodes on contact. There’s no subtlety here, much like Tom’s recklessness behind the wheel—it’s powerful and unapologetic. Yet, beneath the heat, there’s a surprising complexity.
A fruitiness lingers beneath the fire, a sweetness that gives you pause before the burn takes full control. It’s a chilli that, like Tom himself, hides layers beneath its surface, though none of them entirely soften the blow.
Growing the Borg 9 is as straightforward as it gets. The plant is prolific, producing more than enough fiery pods to keep you on your toes. It thrives with little effort on your part, growing tall and strong, pushing its bright, fiery fruit into full view. The way it takes over your garden space feels almost inevitable, much like Tom’s unchecked privilege dominating every room he enters.
In the kitchen, the Borg 9 is as assertive as you’d expect. The heat it brings is intense and immediate, but the complexity of flavour means it doesn’t just overwhelm; it adds depth to whatever dish it touches. Like Tom Buchanan’s presence, this chilli leaves its mark, whether you’re ready for it or not.
For those who crave a chilli that doesn’t just offer heat but commands respect, the Borg 9 is a perfect fit. It’s powerful, striking, and relentless, much like the man who drove his car through Gatsby’s world without a second thought. Just remember, when you invite it into your garden, you’re inviting something that plays by its own rules—and it’s not concerned with what gets left behind.
"So we beat on, boats against the current." I am, as yet, unable to get my hands on Borg 9 seeds, but I am hoping to have some plugs ready and available in season as a Chilli of the Week. I'll keep you posted.
Growing tips from World of Chillies
Chilli Problems
Chilli Blogs
Chilli Nutrients
Potting On Chillies
Chilli Pests
Chilli Diseases
World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.
Chilli Plants
Tomatoes
Chilli Seeds
Delivery Info
About Us
Contact Us
Sign Up Chilli Club
Privacy
Terms & Conditions