Cheiro Roxa Pepper Seeds – Rare Purple Brazilian Seasoning Pepper (Capsicum chinense)

Cheiro Roxa is a strikingly beautiful and rare Brazilian seasoning pepper — a Capsicum chinense variety prized for its deep purple coloring, compact round pods, and complex, aromatic flavor. Unlike its habanero relatives, Cheiro Roxa is valued more for its intense floral fragrance and rich taste than for heat, making it a treasured ingredient in Brazilian and Caribbean kitchens.

About Cheiro Roxa

The name translates roughly to "purple scent" in Portuguese — an apt description for a pepper whose aroma fills the kitchen before it even hits the pan. Plants grow 24–30" tall with distinctive purplish-green foliage and pendant pods that mature from deep purple to a soft pinkish-purple in 80–90 days. Pods measure approximately ½“–¾“ long by ¾“–1“ wide with medium-thick flesh — compact, jewel-like, and ornamentally stunning in the garden.

Culinary Uses

• Use as a fragrant seasoning base in Brazilian rice, bean, and meat dishes
• Blend into sofrito, vinaigrettes, and pepper pastes for floral depth
• Pickle whole pods for a visually striking, aromatic condiment
• Add fresh to salsas and ceviche for fruity, aromatic heat
• Pair with coconut, lime, and cilantro for authentic Brazilian flavor profiles

Growing Tips

• Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds ¼" deep in warm, moist organic seed-starting mix.
• Germination takes 1–4 weeks. Use a heat mat (80–85°F) — Capsicum chinense varieties benefit especially from consistent warmth.
• Soak seeds in room-temperature water for up to 24 hours before planting to accelerate sprouting.
• Avoid peat plugs and standard potting soil — use organic seed-starting mix to prevent damping off.
• Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Move outside once nighttime temps stay above 55°F.
• Container friendly — grows well in 5-gallon pots for patios or year-round indoor production.

Care Requirements

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained. Mulch around the base with straw or grass clippings.
• Water: Consistent deep watering during dry spells; soaker hoses recommended.
• Fertilizer: Slow-release at transplant; liquid feed every two weeks through the growing season.
• Harvest: Cut with garden scissors when pods reach full purple or pinkish-purple color. Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruiting.