Adorno – Capsicum frutescens

Plant description

Adorno is a stunning compact chilli that has deep purple leaves when established. The chillies themselves are a lovely deep purple almost black colour which are quite small, but that does not take away from their heat. If you have a small space and are looking for something different this is the chilli for you.

Heat level

6/10 or approximately 50,000 Scoville Heat Units.

Growing instructions

As with all Chilli plants they love the heat, after all they are subtropical. This is especially true when they are young. All Chilli starter plants should be grown on the windowsill or a greenhouse until they are established and the weather is warm. Ideal to add to curries and any other dish you want to add heat too. If you are looking to dry your own chillies this is a great choice.

Recipe Ideas and preserving tips

‘Adorno’ chillies, being a small bird’s eye type, offers exceptional versatility whether used fresh or dried, bringing a balanced, medium heat (around 50,000 SHU) and a subtle fruity character to a wide range of recipes. Fresh pods are perfect for lifting stir-fries, salsas, salads, and dipping sauces with a clean, vibrant heat, while also working beautifully in dishes like Jalfrezi and other Indian curries—where they can be used more generously than hotter bird’s eye varieties to build a deeper chilli flavour without overpowering the dish. When dried, ‘Adorno’ chillies develop a slightly richer, more rounded profile; they can be infused into oils, crushed into flakes, or added whole to soups, stews, and marinades. Rehydrating dried pods in hot water before blending creates a fresh-tasting chilli paste ideal for sauces and slow-cooked dishes. Their gentle fruitiness also opens the door to more unexpected uses, from spicing dark chocolate desserts and brownies to adding complexity in homemade infusions, making them a flexible choice for both everyday cooking and more creative culinary experiments. And we haven’t even mentioned the cocktails…

About us

Here at Edible Ornamentals at the Chilli Ranch, we’re passionate about growing exceptional chilli plants and helping others succeed with them. Based in the UK, we specialise in producing high-quality, carefully selected varieties for home growers, enthusiasts, and artisan producers alike. Our focus is on flavour, performance, and reliability—so whether you’re growing on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, you can expect great results.

Experience more!

Take your visit beyond the plants and discover the flavour, heat, and stories behind what we do with our unique, highly acclaimed chilli experiences. Whether you’re joining us for a guided Chilli Tour & Tasting, indulging in our Chilli Afternoon Tea, or getting hands-on with our Chilli Growers Workshop, each experience is designed to be relaxed, informative, and memorable. Perfect as a gift or a day out for two, these experiences offer something a little different for chilli lovers of all levels. Use the button below to explore and purchase experience vouchers.

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From artisan hot sauces and chilli jams to chilli plants, veggie plants, fresh chillies, and much more, everything in our shop is available right here in our online store.

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Can we help?

Need chilli growing advice? Looking for specific varieites? Have other questions? Please get in touch. Email us at info@chillitour.co.uk, give us a call at 01480 405663, or just use the button below and drop us a message right here! We look forward to hearing from you.