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Madre Viega Seeds
Guatemalan Landrace Chilli

Madre Vieja Chilli Plug Plant

Madre Vieja Chilli Plug Plant

Old-world charm, bold spice: Heat Level: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Madre Vieja is a striking baccatum variety that stands out for one key reason — its compact habit. Most baccatums tend to sprawl, but this one keeps itself in check, making it perfect for anyone short on space.

Its name translates to “old mother” in Spanish, and it’s thought to have originated in Guatemala, though it’s still relatively unknown outside a small circle of collectors and growers.

I added Madre Vieja to my chilli collection in 2021, and it quickly became one of my favourites. The plants are not just productive — they’re prolific, with a graceful shape and a sheer abundance of fruit that never fails to impress. The pods are a sunny golden yellow, shiny and inviting, and they hang like lanterns from the branches, lighting up the greenhouse in midsummer.

But what really makes Madre Vieja special is the flavour. True to its baccatum roots, it has a refined, fruity complexity with just enough heat to be interesting. It’s the sort of chilli you find yourself reaching for again and again — fresh in a salsa, tossed into a salad, or simply admired for its elegance on the plant.

Additional Information

▶ Species: Capsicum baccatum

▶ Heat Level: Mild to medium – estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 Scoville Heat Units. Just enough to lift a dish without overwhelming it.

▶ Vigorous Growth: Naturally compact for a baccatum. Reaches 60–90 cm in height and produces an abundant crop of long, pendant fruit. Well-suited to small gardens, greenhouses, or large containers.

▶ Fruit Appearance: Shiny, sunny yellow pods that hang like lanterns from the plant. Visually striking and ornamental as well as productive.

▶ Flavour Profile: Distinctly fruity with that classic baccatum zing. Great for slicing fresh into salads, salsas, or quick pickling.

▶ Growing Conditions: Prefers warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. Grows especially well in greenhouses or sheltered outdoor spots. Benefits from regular picking to prolong the harvest.

▶ How to Grow Chillies: My free 28-page booklet, "How to Grow Chillies," is included with every plant or seed order to help ensure a successful growing season.

Coir Blocks

Classic Hots

Record-breakers

Cooks' Collection

World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.

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▶ 1. Easy to Grow: Some chillies are just a joy to grow — compact, reliable, and happy in a pot (5). Others shoot off in all directions or sulk at the first sign of wind (1). I’ve given higher scores to the ones that do well here in the UK.

▶ 2. Ornamental Quality: A few of these are real show-offs, with pods that look like jewels or dramatic foliage that turns heads. Others are more practical than pretty. This score is just about how good they look on the patio or in the greenhouse.

▶ 3. Heat Level: This isn’t a technical SHU score — it’s just a kitchen-friendly 1 to 5. A 1 means very mild (like a jalapeño), a 5 is properly hot (think Bhut Jolokia). It should help you judge what you’re in for!

▶ 4. Hardiness: How well do they cope with our unpredictable summers? I’ve given higher scores to the tough ones that keep going through cool nights, wind, or patchy weather without much fuss.

▶ 5. Culinary Use: This one’s about how often I actually use them. Some are perfect for pickling, stuffing or powders — others look good but don’t end up in many meals. If it’s flavourful and versatile, it scores high.

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