Cheiro Roxa
Purple Fruit, Big Aroma

Cherio Roxa Chilli Plug Plant

Cherio Roxa Chilli Plug Plant

Purple pods, floral fire: Heat Level: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Cheiro Roxa is a stunning addition to our chilli range and one that’s quietly become a favourite. Originally from Brazil, this variety offers both ornamental beauty and subtle complexity in the kitchen.

The little UFO-shaped pods are a real visual treat, shifting through shades of peach, pink and purple as they ripen. They hang like colourful sweeties all over the plant, making it as much of a showpiece as it is a crop.

Despite its exotic appearance, Cheiro Roxa tends to be surprisingly mild when grown in the UK — far gentler than some sources suggest. While some growers report heat levels up to 80,000 SHU, we’ve found the pods often stay well below that, offering more of a gentle warmth.

What it lacks in fire, it makes up for in flavour: fruity, floral and slightly perfumed, it brings a delicate lift to salsas, sauces, and marinades. It’s one of those chillies you grow for joy — for its colour, its elegance, and its unexpected subtlety.

Additional Information

▶ Species: Capsicum chinense

▶ Heat Level: Often mild when grown in the UK – typically far below its reported 60,000 to 80,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Brings a gentle warmth with a fruity, floral kick.

▶ Vigorous Growth: Forms a bushy, medium-sized plant, usually around 60–90 cm tall. Thrives in warmth and benefits from greenhouse conditions in cooler climates.

▶ Fruit Appearance: Small, ornamental pods shaped like tiny UFOs. They shift through peach, pink and purple hues as they ripen. Typically 2–3 cm long and beautifully eye-catching.

▶ Uses: Ideal for salsas, sauces, and marinades where you want a touch of fruitiness without overpowering heat. Also makes a beautiful garnish or table talking point.

▶ Growing Conditions: Prefers sunny, sheltered spots with well-drained soil. Performs best in greenhouses or warm outdoor areas with plenty of light.

▶ How to Grow Chillies: My free 28-page booklet, "How to Grow Chillies," is included with every plant or seed order to help you get the most from your grow.

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.

UK Company No. 07860204.
VAT reg. 223126942

▶ 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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