Piri Piri Seeds

Famous Fiery Favourite

Piri Piri — also known as African Bird’s Eye — is one of the most distinctive small-fruited chillies in the world. It’s a true Capsicum frutescens, producing upright pods with a bright, clean heat and a flavour far more complex than its size suggests.

The variety is closely associated with Mozambique, Angola and South Africa, where it has been grown for generations and remains central to countless local sauces and marinades.

Raised from seed, the plants form compact, highly branched bushes that fruit continuously through warm weather. The pods are tiny, typically around 2–3 cm, ripening from green to a vivid red and standing upright on the stems in dense clusters.

Despite their size, they deliver a sharp, penetrating heat that works beautifully in oils, vinegars, pastes and fiery table sauces.

Because the plants are small and productive, they’re well suited to containers, patios and sheltered outdoor spots in a UK summer.

They tolerate heat and drought better than many chillies, and once established, they crop heavily and reliably.
If you’re looking for a chilli with history, character and a clean, assertive heat,

Piri Piri is one of the most rewarding frutescens types to grow from seed.

For a quicker start, I also grow Piri Piri plug plants, ready to pot on.