Belonging to the species Capsicum annuum, this pepper stands out for its distinctive, slightly curved horn shape and beautiful bright red color when fully ripe.

With peppers that can reach 18 to 20 cm in length, Corno di Toro is ideal for gardeners who want to grow productive, flavorful peppers in the garden or in pots. Its thick, juicy flesh has a sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of bell pepper, with mild to moderate heat depending on growing conditions and the variety offered.

Highly productive, this variety is especially appealing to fans of Mediterranean cooking and sun-loving vegetables. Its peppers are delicious both raw and cooked.

This packet of 20 Goat Horn chili pepper seeds lets you grow this traditional Italian variety and enjoy its generous harvests throughout the warmer months.

Corno di Toro chili pepper characteristics

• Variety: Goat Horn, Bull Horn, Corno di Toro
• Botanical species: Capsicum annuum
• Origin: Italy
• Packet contents: 20 seeds
• Heat level: mild to moderate
• Estimated heat: 2,000 to 15,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), depending on the characteristics of the strain sold
• Fruit color: green, turning bright red when ripe
• Fruit shape: long, conical and slightly curved
• Fruit size: about 18 to 20 cm
• Flesh: thick, juicy and flavorful
• Plant height: about 80 to 120 cm
• Growth habit: bushy and productive
• Sowing period: February to April, in a warm location
• Germination temperature: 22 to 28 °C
• Germination time: about 7 to 18 days
• Flowering: white flowers, generally from May to August
• Time to maturity: about 70 to 80 days, depending on growing conditions
• Exposure: full sun, sheltered location
• Growing options: in a pot, in a greenhouse or outdoors after the last frost

What do Goat Horn chili peppers taste like?

Goat Horn chili peppers have a rich, sweet and fruity flavor reminiscent of ripe red bell peppers. Their flesh has a pleasing texture: crisp when fresh and tender after cooking.

Its heat is generally moderate compared with hot pepper varieties. It therefore suits people looking for a flavorful pepper without an intense burning sensation.

As the peppers ripen, their flavors develop. Harvested green, they have a more vegetal flavor; when they turn red, their flavor is generally sweeter and more developed.

How can you use Corno di Toro peppers in cooking?

With its long, fleshy peppers, the Goat Horn chili pepper is especially versatile in the kitchen. It fits easily into Mediterranean recipes, summer dishes and home cooking.

• Italian-style grilled peppers: grill the peppers with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic and a few herbs.
• Stuffed peppers: make the most of their elongated shape by filling them with fresh cheese, rice, ground meat or vegetables.
• Salads and raw vegetables: slice the peppers thinly to add color, crunch and a touch of heat.
• Homemade salsas: combine the peppers with tomatoes, red onion, lemon and cilantro for a fresh salsa.
• Sautéed vegetables: sauté the peppers with zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes for a Mediterranean-style side dish.
• Preserves and marinades: preserve your harvest using suitable methods to enjoy it after the season ends.
• Pan-frying: sauté the peppers in a little oil until tender and fragrant.

Corno di Toro peppers are also excellent roasted in the oven, added to a homemade sauce or served alongside meat and fish.

How do you grow Goat Horn chili peppers?

The Goat Horn chili pepper is a productive variety that thrives in warmth, sunlight and fertile soil. It can be grown in a garden bed or in a large pot on a sunny patio or balcony.

1. Successfully sowing chili pepper seeds

Sow your seeds between February and April in seed-starting mix, keeping the temperature between 20 and 28 °C. A mini greenhouse and heat mat can aid germination and encourage even sprouting.

Sow the seeds shallowly in a slightly moist growing medium, without soaking it. Germination generally takes 7 to 18 days, depending on temperature, humidity and seed freshness.

Once the seedlings develop several true leaves, gently transplant them into individual pots to support their growth.

2. Transplanting the seedlings

Plant Corno di Toro peppers outdoors only once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures are sufficiently mild. Choose a warm, sunny spot sheltered from strong winds.

For container growing, choose a sufficiently large pot with drainage holes. Rich, well-draining potting mix will allow the roots to develop properly.

3. Sunlight and watering

Goat Horn chili peppers need at least 6 hours of sun a day, ideally more. Plenty of light encourages flowering, fruit formation and ripening.

Water regularly at the base of the plant to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid overwatering and leaving saucers full of water, as standing moisture can weaken the roots.

Regular applications of fertilizer suitable for fruiting vegetables can support growth and production, particularly when the first flowers and peppers appear.

4. Harvesting Goat Horn chili peppers

The peppers generally turn from green to bright red as they ripen. Harvesting can begin once they reach their characteristic size, after about 70 to 80 days of ripening, depending on growing conditions.

Cut the peppers off with clean pruning shears rather than pulling them, to avoid damaging the branches. Regular harvesting lets you enjoy the peppers as they develop.

5. Can you grow Corno di Toro in a pot?

Yes, this variety grows well in a pot, provided it gets enough light, a suitable container and carefully managed watering.

In regions with cold winters, growing the plant in a pot also makes it easier to bring it indoors. To try to keep it for several years, bring it inside before the first frost and place it somewhere bright with a temperature of at least 15 °C. You can also prune it after harvest to keep its size manageable.

Why choose Goat Horn chili pepper seeds?

Corno di Toro is an appealing variety for gardeners looking for a productive pepper that is easy to cook with and has a flavor reminiscent of bell pepper.

• Long, colorful peppers that can reach about 20 cm.
• Thick, juicy flesh that's a pleasure to eat.
• Mild to moderate heat that works well in many recipes.
• A generous harvest under good growing conditions.
• A variety suited to garden beds, greenhouses and container growing.
• Plenty of culinary possibilities: grilling, stuffing, sautéing, sauces, salads and preserves.

Order your 20 Goat Horn chili pepper seeds from sauce-piquante.fr and grow a flavorful Italian variety to enrich your garden and add a little heat to your summer recipes.

Tips for successfully starting chili pepper seeds

To grow vigorous plants, maintain a consistent temperature during germination and give the seedlings plenty of light as soon as they emerge. Gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location.

For more information, see our chili pepper growing guide and growing journal, which will take you from sowing to harvest.