Habanero Capsicum chinense
Habanero (Capsicum chinense) is an annual vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Amazon basin and Caribbean (Capsicum chinense complex). It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Habanero in your garden →
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Habanero at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–11 weeks after planting, for 13–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: ripe and unripe fruit, young leaves (cooked) |
| Native to | Amazon basin and Caribbean (Capsicum chinense complex) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Habanero toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit, seeds
Capsaicin causes burning irritation of mouth, eyes and skin; very hot fruit can cause vomiting if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Habanero
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Habanero
- How far apart should I plant Habanero?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Habanero need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Habanero need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Habanero?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Habanero flower?
- About 8–11 weeks after planting, for 13–17 weeks.
- Is Habanero poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Capsaicin causes burning irritation of mouth, eyes and skin; very hot fruit can cause vomiting if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with Habanero?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Habanero. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A tender perennial grown as an annual outside frost-free climates; slow to germinate and needs warm soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica