Sugar Rush Stripey - Chilli Plant

Sugar Rush Stripey is a still comparatively young chilli variety from the species Capsicum baccatum. It's known above all for its unusual ripening colour: the elongated fruit develops a warm peach to orange tone and shows characteristic red stripes at full ripeness.

Beyond its special looks, the variety is interesting in flavour too. Its pronounced sweetness, fruity aroma and medium-to-bold heat make it more versatile than many extremely hot chilli rarities.

How hot is Sugar Rush Stripey?

We rate our Sugar Rush Stripey at heat level 7. As a guide, the variety is often cited at around 25,000 to 50,000 Scoville. The actual heat of individual fruit can be influenced by genetics, position, weather and ripeness.

That puts Sugar Rush Stripey clearly above a classic jalapeño, while staying well below extremely hot varieties like Bhut Jolokia or Carolina Reaper. For us, it's exactly this balance that's interesting: the heat is clearly present, but still leaves plenty of room for the sweet, fruity aroma.

Where does Sugar Rush Stripey come from?

The variety's history spans several countries. The original Sugar Rush line goes back to a chance cross discovered in Finland. Chris Fowler then developed the line further in Wales.

In 2017, a Sugar Rush Peach with striking red stripes was discovered in the US. This mutation developed into today's Sugar Rush Stripey.

Since the variety is still relatively young, how the stripes show up can differ from plant to plant. It's exactly this natural variation that makes every ripe fruit a little individual.

Growing Sugar Rush Stripey in a pot and in the garden

As a Capsicum baccatum, Sugar Rush Stripey develops vigorous and often quite sprawling growth. The variety suits growing in a bed just as well as in a sufficiently large pot on a patio or balcony.

A warm, sunny and, where possible, sheltered spot provides good conditions. If you grow the plant in a pot, make sure there's enough room for roots and vigorous shoots. Larger containers also make it easier to keep watering and nutrients even during the summer months.

Since Sugar Rush Stripey can grow fairly tall and carries many elongated fruit, a stake makes sense. Especially with a heavy fruit set, it protects longer shoots from snapping under the weight.

When is Sugar Rush Stripey ripe?

The fruit changes colour noticeably as it ripens. The initially green fruit gradually develops its typical peach to orange base colour. The red stripes become visible mainly towards the end of ripening.

Depending on position, weather and growing conditions, you can expect ripe fruit roughly 85 to 100 days after planting out. In cooler years or less warm spots, ripening can take a little longer.

What can you do with Sugar Rush Stripey?

Thanks to its sweet, fruity aroma, Sugar Rush Stripey is especially well suited to preparations where the chilli's own flavour should shine through. We love using fruity baccatum varieties like this fresh, for salsas, chutneys or fruity chilli sauces.

It's also interesting for pickling and fermenting. Its striking colouring also makes fully ripe fruit a lovely accent on dishes and fresh preparations.

A special Capsicum baccatum variety

Sugar Rush Stripey combines several traits that rarely come together in one chilli plant: an unusual look, a pronounced fruity flavour, and a heat that stays clearly noticeable without immediately overpowering everything else.

If you want to grow extraordinary chilli plants alongside well-known varieties, Sugar Rush Stripey gives you an exciting baccatum rarity for pot or garden. You'll find more unusual varieties among our rare chilli plants.