Biquinho peppers grow on a bushy plant with dark, glossy leaves.
Photo credit: Adobe stock images (Evan)
Quick Guide to Growing Biquinho Peppers in South Carolina
- Scientific Name: Capsicum chinense
- Common Name: Biquinho pepper, Sweety Drop pepper
- Plant Type: Warm-season vegetable (pepper)
- Light Needs: Full sun
- Water Needs: Consistently moist soil; allow the top inch to dry between waterings
- Plant Size: 18–24 inches tall and wide
- Days to Maturity: 75–95 days
- Best Use: Containers, patio gardens, and small garden beds
What Makes the Biquinho Pepper Worth Growing?
I adore growing peppers. They’re brightly colored, relatively easy to grow, and highly productive.
The only downside is that I cannot tolerate much spice in my food. During my search for mild or sweet peppers, I found this adorable species that will now forever have a place in my garden.
Biquinho peppers (Capsicum chinense) are tiny, smoky, and resemble Christmas ornaments. The foliage is compact and bushy, and makes for a great patio plant if you don’t have garden space.
The little peppers are only an inch long, with a round middle and a pointed tip. Biquinho peppers are often pickled and preserved but are great in salads or as a snack as well!
What are Biquinho Peppers (Capsicum chinense)?
Biquinho peppers, also called sweety drop peppers, are a small pepper species from Brazil. They’re typically eaten pickled and have a mild, smoky flavor before pickling.
The peppers ripen to yellow, red, or white depending on the variety. I haven’t noticed a difference in flavor across these varieties, but the white biquinho peppers do have a lower yield than red and yellow types.
How to Grow Biquinho Peppers in South Carolina
These peppers have care requirements typical of other peppers grown in gardens around SC. For more information about growing peppers, see HGIC 1316, Peppers.
Biquinho Pepper Light, Water, Size & Maturity Requirements
Light: Full sun
Water: Soil should be consistently moist; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
Size: 18-24 inches tall and wide
Days to Maturity: 75-95 days
How to Start Peppers Indoors from Seed
Established biquinho pepper plants are not widely available in the US, so it’s best to start these plants from seed.
These are slow-growing peppers, so starting indoors is recommended, 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Peppers should not be planted until 2-4 weeks after your last frost date, when daytime temperatures are at least 70°F and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F.
For more information about starting seeds, see HGIC 1259, Starting Seeds Indoors.
Container vs Garden Bed: Best Ways to Grow Biquinho Peppers
Growing Biquinho Peppers in Containers
Due to their compact growth habit, biquinho peppers do well when grown in containers. Use a large pot at least 14’’ in diameter to ensure the peppers have enough space to grow.
Container plants are going to dry out faster, so they may need more watering.
Growing Biquinho Peppers in Garden Beds
In a garden bed, peppers should be spaced 24’’ apart.
Why Grow Mild Biquinho Peppers in a South Carolina Home Garden
Biquinho peppers are a great plant to grow if you’d like to grow peppers but need something less hot! They’re a fantastic plant, and I hope this encourages you to grow some of your own.
