Tabasco Pepper
Capsicum frutescens
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Pl. B38F — Capsicum frutescens
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IOverview
Overview
The Tabasco Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is a subshrub or herb that thrives in the warm climates of Bolivia and Brazil's West-Central region. Known for its pungency, this pepper is both edible and ornamental. It requires full sun, moist conditions, and can grow to a height of 50-80 cm. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and has a hardiness range of zones 8-11, making it suitable for perennial growth in subtropical and tropical areas. Its distinctive feature is the fruit, which matures into a fiery red and is used both as a culinary ingredient and an ornamental plant due to its attractive form.
Quick answers
What is Tabasco Pepper?
The Tabasco Pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is a subshrub or herb that thrives in the warm climates of Bolivia and Brazil's West-Central region. Known for its pungency, this pepper is both edible and ornamental. It requires full sun, moist conditions, and can grow to a height of 50-80 cm.
What is Tabasco Pepper used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Tabasco Pepper
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Tabasco pepper, like other Capsicum species, has been traditionally used in South American medicine to support digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Its pungent fruit is often consumed as a condiment or added to meals.
Capsaicin, the active compound in Tabasco peppers, stimulates digestive secretions and increases gut motility by activating TRPV1 receptors in the stomach lining.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Tabasco Pepper support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tabasco Pepper thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 8-11. Space plants about 50cm apart for best growth. This subshrub or herb grows to a height of 50-80cm and reaches maturity in 95 days. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Enjoy its edible fruit and leaves, both of which are flavorful additions to your garden.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
50-80cm m tall
- Germination
- 8-14 days
- Days to maturity
- 95
- Spacing
- 50cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Tabasco Pepper for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Tabasco Peppers for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting mix, a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost date for transplanting later.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Containers should be at least 30cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Sow seeds indoors in small pots, keeping them warm until they germinate. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide plenty of light to encourage strong growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to promote air circulation and prevent disease. Harvest peppers when they are fully colored for best flavor.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and planting too close together.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across5 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Spain
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaIndia
Americas10 regions
native (1)Bolivia
introduced (9)BelizeCosta RicaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiUnited States
Africa6 regions
introduced (6)AngolaBurundiChadCôte d'IvoireGabonGuinea
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Brazil West-Central
introduced:Brazil North, Caroline Is., Christmas I., Cook Is., Brazil Northeast, Galápagos, Gilbert Is., Gulf of Guinea Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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