Chilli peppers are grown for their fiery heat. This is caused by the alkaloid capsaicin, which is measured in Scoville Units. Most chilli peppers, even though they seem to have a hot bite, have only about 6000 units, compared to 'Habanero' which has an astonishing 200,000 units. Chillies are grown in the same way as sweet peppers but the fruit can be picked at any stage, when the colour is green or red.
Capsicum annum 'Medusa' is an extremely ornamental variety, bearing masses of long, thin peppers in shades of yellow, orange and red. The peppers are very mild in flavour. 'Medusa' is perfect for growing indoors, such as on a sunny windowsill, or outside in a sunny, sheltered spot.
