Guam Boonie Pepper Seeds – Pacific Island Bird’s Eye Chili (Capsicum frutescens)

The Boonie Pepper is Guam’s iconic hot pepper — a Capsicum frutescens closely related to bird’s eye chili and deeply embedded in the island’s Chamorro culinary culture. Slender 1-inch fruits ripen through a stunning color range of green, gold, and orange before reaching deep red. The ornamental appeal is undeniable — this pepper is beautiful enough to grow as a potted accent plant while delivering a genuine spicy kick for salsas, sauces, and flavoring dishes. Tall plants reach nearly 6 feet and take 3–4 months to produce their first crop, thriving best in warm climates with long growing seasons.

Variety Details

• Species: Capsicum frutescens
• Origin: Guam (Chamorro cuisine staple)
• Pod Size: ~1 inch long; slender
• Color Progression: Green → Gold → Orange → Deep red
• Heat Level: Hot — bird’s eye chili equivalent
• Plant Height: 2–4 feet (can reach up to 6 feet)
• Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
• Best Use: Flavoring sauces, salsas, hot sauce, ornamental
• Companion Plants: Marjoram, Tomato, Marigold

Starting Seeds

• Sow ¼ inch deep indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost (frutescens needs a long head start)
• Germination temperature: 80–85°F — heat mat recommended
• Germination time: 1–4 weeks — keep warm and moderately moist
• Use organic seed-starting mix; avoid jiffy peat pots or standard potting soil
• Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil is consistently warm

Growing Tips

• Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil
• Water 1 inch per week; mulch 1–2 inches around base
• Add compost to planting hole; feed with compost tea every 2–3 weeks during early growth
• Excellent container plant — a standout ornamental on patios and in greenhouses
• Harden off over 7–14 days before outdoor placement