VarietiesC. annuumMildMedusa pepper
MildC. annuumUnited States

Medusa pepper

Medusa Ornamental Pepper

1,000Scoville Heat Units

Heat context

Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Medusa peppe…
Botanical data
Heat (SHU)1,000
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginUnited States
Days to mature75
Plant height20–30 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourred
YieldHeavy
Growth habitCompact
Germination7-21
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourgreen

About this variety

An ornamental pepper variety named for the Greek mythological gorgon, featuring upright-growing, long, thin fruits that radiate from the plant like serpents. Unlike most ornamental peppers, Medusa is exceptionally mild and sweet, making it both decorative and edible. The fruits transition through a spectacular color progression from green to yellow, orange, and finally red at full ripeness.

Flavour profile

sweetmildcrisp
Culinary scores
Sauce
3/10
Drying
2/10
Pickling
6/10

Culinary uses

Best used fresh in salads or as colorful garnishes due to their mild, sweet flavor. Can be pickled whole or used raw for visual appeal. Their ornamental nature makes them ideal for edible landscaping and container displays.

You might also like

Quick reference

Heat1,000 SHU
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginUnited States
Days to ripe75
Ripe colourred
Best forBest used fresh in salads or as colorful garnishes due to their mild
Data confidence: 4/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction