As they ripen, the peppers turn from green to vibrant orange, recalling the colors of the famous Tequila Sunrise cocktail.

This variety is ideal for gardeners looking for distinctive, productive chili pepper seeds that are easy to grow in a vegetable garden. Its bushy growth habit and height of 60 to 80 cm also make it an excellent choice for growing in a pot on a sunny balcony or patio.

The peppers are about 5 to 7 cm long. Their thin skin and juicy flesh offer a pleasant flavor with moderate heat. With an estimated Scoville rating of 500 to 1,500 units, Tequila Sunrise is well suited to chili pepper lovers who want to spice up their dishes without excessive heat.

Tasting notes

The Tequila Sunrise chili pepper stands out for its mild to moderate heat and thin, juicy flesh. It adds a touch of spice to dishes without masking other flavors.

Harvest the peppers once they turn a beautiful orange to enjoy them fully ripe. Eat them fresh, sliced into salads, vegetable stir-fries, homemade sauces, or marinades. They can also be dried for longer storage or pickled in vinegar to serve with your meals.

Thanks to its moderate heat, this variety lets you explore growing and eating chili peppers without turning to the hottest varieties.

How hot is the Tequila Sunrise chili pepper?

Tequila Sunrise has a heat level of 2 to 3 on a scale of 10, with an estimated rating of 500 to 1,500 SHU (Scoville heat units). It is a mild chili pepper suitable for everyday cooking.

Tips for growing Tequila Sunrise chili peppers

When should you sow Tequila Sunrise seeds?

Sow from January to April, ideally in a sheltered, warm, bright spot. For consistent germination, maintain a temperature between 22 and 28 °C. Seeds generally sprout in 8 to 21 days, depending on conditions.

Using a mini greenhouse and a heat mat is recommended to maintain a stable temperature and encourage young plants to grow.

How do you grow Tequila Sunrise chili peppers successfully?

• Sun exposure: choose a very sunny spot sheltered from the wind, with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
• Soil: choose rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil.
• Watering: keep the growing medium slightly moist, but do not overwater. Standing water can damage the roots.
• Planting: move the plants outdoors about 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost, once temperatures are warm enough.
• Growing in pots: its bushy growth habit and height of 60 to 80 cm make it suitable for growing in a pot on a sunny balcony or patio.
• Harvest: allow about 70 to 80 days for the peppers to mature, depending on growing conditions.

Can you keep a Tequila Sunrise chili pepper plant over the winter?

Yes. Under the right conditions, Tequila Sunrise can be kept from one year to the next. After harvesting, prune the plant to about 20 cm and place it in a bright spot where the temperature stays at or above about 15 °C. Water less during this period and avoid waterlogging the soil.

Tequila Sunrise chili pepper characteristics

• Variety: Tequila Sunrise
• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Origin: United States
• Contents: 20 seeds
• Heat level: 2 to 3 out of 10
• Scoville rating: 500 to 1,500 SHU
• Optimal germination temperature: 22 to 28 °C
• Sowing period: January to April
• Flower color: white
• Growth habit: bushy
• Plant height: 60 to 80 cm
• Fruit shape and size: elongated, about 5 to 7 cm long
• Color when ripe: vibrant orange
• Time to maturity: about 70 to 80 days
• Uses: eating fresh, drying, and pickling in vinegar

Explore our chili pepper growing guide and growing journal for practical tips to help you care for your plants from germination through harvest.

Tequila Sunrise chili pepper seeds are an excellent choice for growing colorful, mild, versatile peppers that look as good in the garden as they taste in the kitchen.