# Calabrian

Source: https://shop.homegrowngardenschicago.com/product/calabrian-chili/
Published: 2026-03-20
Updated: 2026-04-01

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## **CALABRIAN PEPPER (*Capsicum annuum*)**

**Transplant | Mid–Late May | Annual**

Calabrian peppers are a classic Italian chili known for their balanced heat and rich, slightly smoky flavor. The small, round to slightly elongated peppers ripen from green to deep red, producing abundant harvests on compact, vigorous plants.

These peppers deliver a medium level of heat with a savory depth that makes them a staple in Italian cooking. They are most famously used crushed or preserved in oil, adding bold flavor to pasta, pizza, sauces, and antipasto dishes.

Highly productive and easy to grow, Calabrian pepper plants produce generous yields and thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

## Growing Details

**Spice Level:** Medium–Hot\
**Scoville Heat Units:** 25,000–40,000 SHU\
**Harvest:** Harvest when peppers turn deep red for the best flavor and heat\
**Plant Spacing:** 2 ft\
**Sun:** Full sun\
**Cold Tolerance:** Warm-season crop; plant after danger of frost

## Garden Companions

**Best planted with:**\
Basil, tomatoes, onions, carrots, oregano

**Benefits:**\
Companion plants attract beneficial insects and support healthy garden growth.

**Avoid planting near:**\
Fennel, which may inhibit pepper growth.

## Pro Growing Tips

• Allow peppers to fully ripen red for maximum flavor\
• Excellent for drying, crushing, or preserving in oil\
• Harvest frequently to encourage continued production\
• Thrives in warm soil and consistent sunlight

## Health Highlights

**Capsaicin-rich peppers**\
Calabrian peppers contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-supporting properties.

**Vitamin-rich vegetable**\
Provides vitamins A and C along with beneficial antioxidants.

**Antioxidant support**\
Contains beneficial plant compounds that support overall wellness.

*Pre-order now for productive summer transplants ready for planting after the last frost.*