PlantFiles: Hot Chili Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Fresno'

Received the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), 2006 Award of Garden Merit.

Very attractive and prolific jalapeno-type pepper. Heat level was at the high end for jalapeno, but moderate level in the category of hot peppers (e.g. compared to a Thai pepper or habenero). We only grew it for one season (last year) but our experience was quite positive. Very uniform quality of mature peppers, relatively early ripening, and useful at the green stage if you can't wait until red color appears. But I'd suggest waiting for the red stage. The bright, uniform, fire engine red color is dramatic and appealing. We will grow this one again.

These were much more attractive than the jalapenos I usually grow, with a similar heat, and produced an abundant quantity -- also faster than my other varieties. Perfect for salsa.

Available from Seeds of Change which offers this description: "Direct from Mexico, a perfect pepper for medium hot salsas. Long, 2-3 in. upright fruits go from green to red when ripe. (75 days)" Introduced in 1952