Mantis Claw Red (Capsicum chinense) 2L Pot

Mantis Claw Red is a relatively recent superhot Capsicum chinense selection grown for its long, twisted red fruit.

The plant develops a bushy, branching habit with broad green leaves and small pale flowers. Its fruit begins green before ripening to red.

The peppers can become long, narrow and heavily wrinkled, often developing curved or twisted shapes. Individual fruit may be straight, curled or irregular, and the precise form can vary considerably.

Mantis Claw Red has strong and persistent heat accompanied by a fruity flavour. The peppers can be used in very small quantities in hot sauces or dried for chilli powder.

In the UK, Mantis Claw Red requires greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation for reliable growth and ripening.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
Common name: Mantis Claw Red
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy, branching annual or tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 60–100 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Broad green leaves
Flowers: Small pale flowers
Fruit: Long, wrinkled and often twisted peppers ripening from green to red
Heat level: Extremely hot
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels and large containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Mantis Claw Red in fertile, well-draining compost in a consistently warm and bright position. Transfer the plant into a large and stable container as it develops.

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

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

The branches may require support as the long fruit develops.

Mantis Claw Red should remain under cover in most parts of the UK. Cool conditions can slow growth and considerably delay ripening.

The plant may be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position.

Fruiting in the UK

Mantis Claw Red can produce fruit in the UK when provided with sustained warmth, strong light and a long growing season.

Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation is strongly recommended. The fruit may take considerable time to progress from green to fully ripe red.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Mantis Claw Red 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. This is a relatively recent selection, and fruit length, shape, curvature and surface texture may vary between plants.

Important Information

Mantis Claw Red peppers are extremely hot.

Wear disposable gloves when harvesting or preparing the fruit. Avoid touching your eyes, face or contact lenses and thoroughly clean all utensils and work surfaces after use.

Steam or vapour produced during cooking may cause irritation. Keep the fruit away from children and pets.