Chili pepper - Okrasny Zvonek

Cultivation description: Okrasny Zvonek

Description:
Okrasny Zvonek is a South American chili variety belonging to the species Capsicum baccatum , known for its small, red and spicy fruits. The fruits can reach up to 200,000 Scoville units, making them very hot and unsuitable for raw consumption. However, they are perfect as a seasoning in sauces, marinades, flavored oils, pastes and salsas. This chili is often used in Mexican, Portuguese and Oriental cooking and is a hallmark of South American Andean cuisine. The fruits can also be dried and ground to easily adjust the heat in different dishes.

Okrasny Zvonek is not only functional as a spice but also a decorative plant, as it develops small, bell-shaped, red fruits that add an exotic feel to the garden.

Sowing and planting:

1. Pre-cultivation indoors:

   • Sowing time: January – March.
   • Fill the seed tray or small pots with light, well-drained seed soil.
   • Place the seeds about 0.5 cm deep and cover with a thin layer of soil. Press lightly.
   • Keep the soil evenly moist and place the seed in a bright place with a temperature between 20–25 °C .

2. Retraining:

   • When the plants have developed their first pair of true leaves, repot them in individual pots about 10cm in diameter.
   • Use nutritious, permeable soil and continue to keep the plants in a warm, bright space.

3. Deployment:

   • Timing: After the last frost, from mid-May.
   • Harden off the plants for 7-10 days before transplanting by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions.
   • Place the plants in a sunny and wind-protected place in nutrient-rich, well-tilled soil.

4. Planting distance:

   • Keep a distance of 40 x 40 cm between the plants.

Care:

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilization: Feed the plants regularly with a potassium- and phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote flowering and fruiting.
• Support: The plants can get tall and may need support to avoid breaking the stems.

Harvest time:

• Time: September – October.
• The fruits are ripe when they are bright red and firm.

Use:

• Spices: Dried and ground fruits are used as spices to add heat to dishes.
• Cooking: Perfect for sauces, marinades and dishes inspired by South America.
• Storage: The fruits can be dried, ground or preserved in oil for longer shelf life.

Tip:

• Health profile: The active compound capsaicin has anti-inflammatory, warming and metabolism-stimulating properties.
• Decoration: Okrasny Zvonek is not only a practical crop but also an ornamental plant with its bell-shaped fruits.