Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' (Chilli)

Common name: Hungarian Hot Wax Chilli

Description: Capsicum annuum 'Hungarian Hot Wax' is a versatile and highly productive medium-hot chilli pepper producing large, waxy, thick-walled fruits that ripen from pale yellow through orange to red. With a Scoville rating of around 5,000–10,000 SHU, it offers a pleasant, manageable level of heat alongside a sweet, rich pepper flavour, making it one of the most kitchen-friendly hot chillies available. The fruits are excellent eaten fresh, roasted, pickled, or stuffed. Plants are vigorous and crop very reliably in UK conditions, both under glass and in a sheltered outdoor position.

Other benefits: manageable medium heat; thick-walled fruits ideal for stuffing and roasting; very productive; reliable in UK outdoor conditions

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at maturity: 60–75cm x 45cm

Position: full sun; grows well outdoors in a warm sheltered position or under glass

Soil pH: slightly acid to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); fertile, well-drained soil or compost

Moisture: regular watering required; high-potash liquid feed once flowering begins; avoid waterlogging

Winter hardiness: frost tender; grow as an annual from spring