Piri Piri
Famous Fiery Favourite

Piri Piri Chilli Plug Plant

Piri Piri Chilli Plug Plant

Small chilli, mighty legend:Heat Level: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

The Piri Piri, also known as African Birdseye, is a truly iconic chilli with a remarkable history and a beloved flavour.

Originating from South Africa and Mozambique, this chilli has become a staple in various cuisines due to its vibrant heat and unique taste.

It has been cultivated in these regions for centuries, and its sharp, searing flavour has made it a favourite for spicing up chicken and fish dishes.

The name "Piri Piri" comes from the Portuguese language, attributed to the European colonisers of the 16th century who were instrumental in popularising the chilli across Europe.

The plants are small and compact, making them ideal for container growing or small garden spaces. The chillies themselves are tiny but pack a punch, providing a distinctive heat that is both intense and flavourful.

I’ve found Piri Piri chillies to be incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They’re excellent for making spicy sauces, marinades, and even for adding a kick to your everyday dishes.

The plants are robust and prolific, ensuring a bountiful harvest of these fiery little pods.

Whether you’re a fan of bold flavours or looking to add some heat to your cooking, Piri Piri is a must-have in your chilli collection.

Additional Information

▶ Species: Capsicum frutescens.

▶ Heat Level: Hot – typically ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with a quick, sharp burn.

▶ Growth Habit: Compact, bushy plants that are ideal for containers, raised beds, or smaller growing spaces.

▶ Fruit Appearance: Small, pointed pods that ripen from green to bright red. Often harvested in clusters.

▶ Flavour Profile: Bold, tangy, and searing – adds punch and character to everything from marinades to stews. Essential for classic piri piri sauces.

▶ Fruiting Time: Fast to fruit, with a generous and steady harvest over the season.

▶ Growing Conditions: Thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Can be grown indoors, in greenhouses, or outside during warmer months.

▶ How to Grow Chillies: My free 28-page booklet, "How to Grow Chillies," is included with every plant or seed order to guide you through 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.

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.