Bulgarian Carrot
Orange, Crisp, Unusual

Bulgarian Carrot Chilli Plug Plant

Bulgarian Carrot Chilli Plug Plant

Crisp, colourful, and full of zing:Heat Level: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

The Bulgarian Carrot, also known locally as Shipkas, is a charming heirloom variety with a quirky appearance that lives up to its name. These chillies resemble ornamental carrots, but don’t let their cute exterior fool you—they pack a punch of heat!

The plants are particularly ornamental when they start producing pods, which initially appear as a striking lime green before ripening to a vibrant orange. Despite their compact size, Bulgarian Carrot plants are robust producers of fresh, fruity pods with a surprising amount of heat.

One of the reasons I love growing Bulgarian Carrot is their dual appeal: they’re not only a feast for the eyes but also offer a delightful burst of heat in your dishes. These chillies are perfect for adding a touch of colour and a fruity heat to a variety of recipes.

They thrive in well-drained soil and can be grown in pots or garden beds, making them a versatile addition to any chilli garden. A compact but productive plant, Bulgarian Carrot is a must-have for those who enjoy growing unique and flavourful chillies.

Additional Information

▶ Species: Capsicum annuum

▶ Heat Level: Moderate to hot. Delivers a clear, vibrant kick without being overwhelming. Approx 5,000 to 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

▶ Fruit Appearance: Starts off lime green and ripens to a vivid carrot-orange. Long, tapered pods with a slight curve — strikingly ornamental.

▶ Flavour Profile: Fruity and slightly sweet, with a punchy heat that lifts salsas, sauces, and pickles.

▶ Vigorous Growth: Compact, bushy plants that are both productive and eye-catching. Perfect for pots or garden borders.

▶ Uses: Excellent for fresh salsas, pickling, and any dish that benefits from a balance of fruitiness and fire. A must for lovers of unique, colourful chillies.

▶ Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Grows happily in containers or open ground with regular watering.

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

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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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