Malawi Piquante/Peppadew Pepper Plant
Malawi Piquante/Peppadew is a C. baccatum pepper variety, rated mild at 1,177 Scoville heat units. Austin Peppers sells it as a live nursery-grown plant. It is also known as Peppadew, Piquanté, Malawi Piquanté, African Cherry Pepper, Juanita.
We grow and ship year round. We grow out every variety here and check the pods ourselves before we propagate a batch to sell.
Also known as: Peppadew, Piquanté, Malawi Piquanté, African Cherry Pepper, Juanita
Heat Level: Mild (1,177 SHU)
Species: C. baccatum
Price: $10.00 USD
Species: C. baccatum Mature pod color: Red Heat: 1,177 SHU (Mild) Found growing wild by Johan Steenkamp on a property in Limpopo province, South Africa, in 1993. A Capsicum baccatum with cherry-sized round pods that ripen a deep red. Very mild at around 1,177 SHU, sweet with a tang behind it. The walls are thick and the pod is hollow once the core is out, which is why this shape ends up stuffed more often than chopped, and why it pickles better than almost anything else here. Also called Malawi Piquante, Piquanté, Sweet Piquanté and African Cherry Pepper depending on who is selling it.
Available as: Established Plant
Days to harvest: 80 to 90 days from transplant
Height: 42 to 48 inches
Origin: South Africa
What it looks like
Foliage: Green leaves
Flowers: White with basal spots
Pod: 1 to 2 inches, round/tomato/cherry/marbles, pendant
Ripens from: Green/Mustard
Variety data: WikiPepper, Malawi Piquante/Peppadew
Care Guide
Start Growing Checklist
- Use 5-10 gallon container with drainage holes
- High-quality container mix (not garden soil)
- Place in full sun location (6+ hours)
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
- No feeding the first week. Start in week two
Grown for Health, Not for Show
Bulk growers who wholesale to hardware stores ship plants doped with Epsom salts. It keeps the foliage green for the shelf while the plant declines underneath. Artificial preservatives, but for plants. We don't do it. We focus on plant health, not bulk size: our plants grow with mycorrhizal fungi at the roots, and we feed them for steady, healthy growth. We build what lands at your door to keep growing, not to survive retail.
Sunlight Requirements
Place in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also grows under artificial lights indoors.
- South-facing window best for indoor growing
- Rotate plant weekly for even growth
Watering Schedule
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week in summer
- Reduce watering in winter
- Use well-draining soil
Feeding & Fertilizer
Feed with balanced vegetable fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Switch formulas when flowers appear.
- Start fertilizing in the second week after planting
- Reduce nitrogen when fruiting to boost pepper production
Temperature & Climate
Prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Protect from frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Bring indoors if frost threatens
- Happy in a bright window in any season
- Loves humidity 50-70%
Pruning & Maintenance
Pinch off early flowers to encourage stronger plant growth. Prune lower leaves for better air circulation.
- Remove yellowing leaves
- Support heavy branches with stakes
- Harvest regularly to encourage more peppers
Pest Prevention
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspect regularly and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Spray with water to remove pests
- Encourage beneficial insects
- Keep area clean and well-ventilated
Shipping
We ship plants carefully packed to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your garden.
Processing Time
All orders ship on a Monday. Order any day you like. For the health of the plants, we dispatch on Mondays only.
Delivery Time
Your order ships the next Monday after you place it. Faster options shorten the time in transit. They do not change the day it leaves us.
Some Leaf Drop Is Normal
Your plant just spent a few days in a dark box, and that's stressful for a living thing. It's normal for it to shed a few leaves when it arrives, usually the lower ones. That's the plant conserving energy, not a sign it's dying. With light, water, and a few days to settle in, it bounces back and pushes new growth.
Upon Arrival
- Unpack immediately and inspect your plant
- Water thoroughly if soil is dry
- Place in indirect light for 1-2 days to acclimate
- Gradually move to final location with full sun
- Contact us within 7 days if you have any concerns
Questions
How hot is Malawi Piquante/Peppadew?
Malawi Piquante/Peppadew measures about 1,177 Scoville heat units. That is milder than a jalapeño.
What species is Malawi Piquante/Peppadew?
Malawi Piquante/Peppadew is C. baccatum.
What other names is Malawi Piquante/Peppadew known by?
Malawi Piquante/Peppadew is also sold as Peppadew, Piquanté, Malawi Piquanté, African Cherry Pepper, Juanita.
How long until Malawi Piquante/Peppadew produces peppers?
80 to 90 days from transplant to first harvest, depending on light and temperature.
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