Brazilian Star Fish (Capsicum baccatum) 2L Pot

Brazilian Starfish is a Capsicum baccatum variety grown for its flattened, ribbed fruit and fruity flavour.

The plant develops a tall, branching habit with green foliage. Its white flowers usually display greenish or yellow markings characteristic of Capsicum baccatum.

The unusual peppers have a flattened shape with several distinct lobes, giving them a star-like appearance when viewed from above. Fruit begins green before ripening to red.

Brazilian Starfish peppers have a sweet and fruity flavour followed by mild to medium heat, although individual fruit can vary. They can be eaten fresh or used in salsas, sauces, marinades and cooked dishes.

In the UK, Brazilian Starfish grows most reliably in a greenhouse or polytunnel because it requires warmth and a long growing season.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum baccatum
Common name: Brazilian Starfish Chilli
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Tall, branching annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 1.2–1.8 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: White flowers with greenish or yellow markings
Fruit: Flattened, lobed peppers ripening from green to red
Heat level: Mild to medium-hot and naturally variable
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Brazilian Starfish in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and bright position. Move the plant into a large and stable container as it develops.

Keep the compost evenly moist throughout active growth, particularly while the plant is flowering and carrying fruit. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and repeated wilting.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young peppers appear.

The plant can become tall and widely branched, so the stems may require support with canes or ties.

Plants may be moved outside during settled warm weather but generally perform more reliably under glass in the UK.

Brazilian Starfish may be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position. Established plants may produce an earlier crop the following year.

Fruiting in the UK

Brazilian Starfish can produce fruit in the UK when provided with sufficient warmth, light and time.

The peppers can be harvested while green but develop their mature flavour and red colouring when allowed to ripen fully. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation gives the most reliable results.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Brazilian Starfish Chilli plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Fruit shape, size and heat will vary naturally.

Important Information

The heat of Brazilian Starfish peppers can vary between individual fruit.

Wear gloves when preparing peppers that taste hot. Avoid touching your eyes or face and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.