Biquinho pepper
Capsicum chinense 'Biquinho'
Biquinho
About this plant
Pimenta biquinho, commonly known as Biquinho pepper, is a small ornamental pepper plant famous for its bright red, teardrop-shaped fruits that have a mild, sweet flavor. It is often grown for decorative purposes and culinary uses, especially in Brazilian cuisine. The plant has glossy green leaves and produces small white flowers before fruiting.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Capsicum
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Solanales
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Brazil
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in Brazil and other warm regions; grown in home gardens and greenhouses worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–7 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 18-28 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Soil type
- well-draining loam, potting soil mix
Watering. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit production.
Pimenta biquinho is a moderately easy plant to care for, preferring sunny spots and well-drained soil. It can tolerate some drought but needs regular watering during dry periods. Watch out for overwatering, which can cause root problems.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Bright red, small, teardrop-shaped fruits; glossy green leaves; small white flowers.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets; safe to grow around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Low
Pimenta biquinho may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, mainly due to its pollen. People who are allergic to pepper plants should handle it with care. To reduce exposure, avoid direct contact with the sap and keep the plant in well-ventilated areas.
Common problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot; insufficient sunlight may reduce fruit production; pests like aphids can occasionally appear.
Uses
Grown as an ornamental plant and for culinary use, especially in spicy dishes and pickling.
Notes
Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Repot every 2-3 years if grown in containers. Protect from frost and cold drafts.