Kanthari Mirchi

Capsicum frutescens • Kanthari Chili
Tested in Warm California

Grow small, fiery green kanthari chilies perfect for chutneys, tempering, and bold everyday cooking.

Kanthari chili packet (Green)

Easy Grow Info

Chilies prefer consistent warmth and may take longer to start, but plants become very productive once temperatures rise.
Sun
Full sun
Type
Warm season annual
Start Method
Start indoors; transplant after frost
Height
2–3 ft

About This Chili

Green kanthari is a small, upright birds-eye type chili known for sharp heat and bright flavor used widely in South Indian cooking. Slender fruits mature from green toward red but are often harvested green for fresh use, adding intense spice to chutneys, tempering oil, and quick sautéed dishes.

Compact, branching plants produce heavily once established and adapt well to containers and warm-climate gardens, making them a strong choice for growers who want a steady supply of fresh, high-heat chilies.

Heat Level

Very Hot. Typically 75,000–100,000 Scoville Heat Units.

Sharp, immediate heat that builds quickly; a little goes a long way in fresh cooking and tempering.

Why We Chose This Variety

We selected green kanthari for growers looking for a true high-heat chili suited to everyday Indian cooking. Its compact growth, strong productivity, and reliable performance in California-style gardens make it ideal for container growers who want fresh chilies always within reach of the kitchen.

Grower’s Corner

Grower’s Corner: How to Grow Hot Chilies in Warm-Climate Gardens

Read the full guide on Grower’s Corner.

Grower’s Corner • 5–7 min read
Read the guide

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