Takanotsume Seeds

Sharp Japanese heat

Takanotsume, or Hawk Claw Pepper, is a Japanese heirloom Capsicum annuum grown from seed for its distinctive claw-shaped pods, dependable productivity, and clean, penetrating heat.

Seedlings establish quickly and form neat, upright plants with a branching structure typical of compact annuum types.

Once flowering begins, they set fruit freely — producing multiple flushes of small, slightly hooked pods, usually 3–5 cm long. These ripen from a deep green to a vivid red and dry exceptionally well, retaining both colour and heat.

That drying quality is one of the main reasons this variety is traditionally used in shichimi togarashi and other Japanese spice blends.

Heat levels sit around 30,000–50,000 SHU: a bright, sharp burn that remains focused rather than heavy or lingering. Because the pods are thin-walled, they are suitable for quick drying, flaking, or grinding, and keep their clarity of flavour even after storage.

Plants grown from seed remain compact — generally 40–70 cm depending on pot size — and perform reliably in UK conditions in a greenhouse, conservatory or warm patio. They crop steadily and mature quickly, making them practical for both fresh use and dried spice production.

Among Japanese chillies, Takanotsume is one of the most versatile, tidy and productive to raise from seed.