Easy to grow directly in the ground under the right conditions, this chili pepper stands out for its many long, tapered fruits, which gradually turn from green to bright red as they ripen.
With a heat level of 5,000 to 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), Shakira delivers plenty of heat without reaching the extremes of the hottest peppers. It will appeal to spice lovers looking for a productive, versatile variety for the vegetable garden.
Shakira chili peppers grow on sturdy, bushy plants that can reach 60 to 90 cm in height. Their vigorous growth allows them to produce a large number of peppers throughout the season.
The peppers are easy to recognize by their long, slender shape, measuring approximately 16 cm in length and 3 cm in width. Initially green, they gradually turn a beautiful, vivid red as they ripen.
Its relatively quick maturation time of 60 to 70 days means you can enjoy your harvest fairly early. This variety is a good choice for gardeners seeking a prolific chili pepper suited to growing directly in the ground.
Another advantage: Shakira is resistant to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a useful trait for chili pepper cultivation.
At 5,000 to 30,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, Shakira chili peppers have moderate to substantial heat.
Its heat level of 6 on our heat scale makes it a variety for chili pepper lovers who enjoy a noticeable kick.
Its spicy flavor is perfect for adding character to dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Thanks to its long fruits and relatively thin walls, the Shakira chili pepper lends itself to many culinary preparations.
Its good productivity also lets you stock up on dried chili peppers to enjoy your harvest for several months.
Shakira is a Capsicum annuum variety that prefers warm, sunny, sheltered spots. It can be grown by gardeners with a vegetable garden, a greenhouse or a sufficiently sunny space.
Starting seeds: sow between February and April in a fine, light potting mix. The ideal germination temperature is between 22 and 28°C. Seedlings usually emerge in 6 to 20 days. A mini greenhouse and heat mat are recommended to provide good germination conditions.
Transplanting: once the seedlings have several true leaves, transplant them individually into small pots to encourage root development.
Planting: plant directly in the ground in cool, fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a very sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Be sure to wait 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost before planting outdoors.
Watering and fertilizing: keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Shakira chili peppers do not tolerate standing water, which can cause root problems. A weekly application of organic chili pepper fertilizer diluted in the watering water will encourage vigorous growth and good fruit production.
Harvest: the first fruits can be harvested after approximately 60 to 70 days of maturation. Pick them green for an early harvest, or wait until they turn a beautiful red and are fully ripe.
For tips on starting seeds and growing healthy, productive plants, see our chili pepper growing guide and chili pepper growing journal.
If you’re looking for a productive red chili pepper that is relatively quick to harvest and versatile enough to use fresh or dried, Shakira deserves a place in your vegetable garden. Its many long peppers and heat level of 5,000 to 30,000 SHU make it an appealing variety for fans of spicy food.
Characteristics
| Capacity | 20 seeds |
|---|---|
| Scoville scale | 25,000 (estimated) |
| Storage | In a dry place |
| What intensity? | 2 |
Discover the Shakira chili pepper, a variety from the United States prized for its productivity, long red fruits and intensely spicy flavor.
Nos suggestions
Dried whole peppers, powder, fresh peppers, pepper seeds and pepper plants
Dried whole peppers, powder, fresh peppers, pepper seeds and pepper plants
Dried whole peppers, powder, fresh peppers, pepper seeds and pepper plants
Dried whole peppers, powder, fresh peppers, pepper seeds and pepper plants
Dried whole peppers, powder, fresh peppers, pepper seeds and pepper plants
Dried whole peppers, powder, fresh peppers, pepper seeds and pepper plants
FAQ of
Hot sauces
Le Pepper X, couronné piment le plus fort du monde par le livre Guinness des records. L'hybride américain Pepper X a battu le record du piment le plus fort au monde.
The Scoville scale is the unit of measurement for chili peppers. We have dedicated several articles on the Scoville scale, but we have also established a top 20 of hot sauces on the Scoville scale as well as a ranking of chili peppers on the Scoville scale to help you find your way around.
There are more than 2500 different chili peppers because varieties cross-pollinate very easily. The most commonly used varieties in sauces are: habanero pepper, chipotle pepper, jalapeno pepper, trinidad scorpion pepper, jolokia pepper, aji amarillo pepper, and of course the carolina reaper pepper.
A hot sauce is a preparation made with chili peppers and vinegar to which various other ingredients are added depending on the desired result (garlic, onion, curry, ginger, etc...) We have selected several hundred to help you find your favorite!
Absolument pas, les sauces piquantes ne contiennent que très peu de matière grasse, et pour la plupart pas du tout, il s'agit de purée de piment associée à du vinaigre (le conservateur) et des épices.
