Bulgarian Carrot – a unique and colourful chilli from Bulgaria
What makes Bulgarian Carrot special?
Bulgarian Carrot chilli seeds, also known as Shipkas, grow a colourful chilli with a crisp texture and medium heat of 10,000–20,000 Scoville units. As the name suggests, it comes from Bulgaria and is loved for its unusual shape and carrot-like orange colour when ripe. The pods grow upright on compact plants, which makes it a decorative addition to the garden or patio. With its vivid colour and fresh flavour, Bulgarian Carrot is a versatile chilli that suits raw and cooked dishes alike.
Background and name
Bulgarian Carrot originates in Bulgaria and is named for its characteristic carrot-like appearance. It has long been popular in Eastern Europe and is a favourite among chilli growers who appreciate its combination of fast growth, abundant harvest and good looks. Its alternative name, Shipkas, refers to the region where it first became known.
Appearance and growth habit
This chilli grows on sturdy, compact plants that can be grown in pots or outdoors. The pods are fairly small, around 7–9 cm long, with a smooth, glossy skin. They ripen from green to yellow and finally to an intense orange. Bulgarian Carrot is known for its upward-growing pods, which give the plant a distinctive, tidy look. It is fast-growing and reaches harvestable maturity 65–75 days after transplanting.
Flavour and uses
Bulgarian Carrot has a distinct flavour with sharp heat and fresh, fruity notes. Its crisp texture makes it ideal fresh in salads and salsas or as a garnish. When cooked, the heat mellows and the sweet, fruity flavours come forward, which suits pickles, stews and sauces.
Ways to use Bulgarian Carrot
Here are some ways to use Bulgarian Carrot in cooking:
- Pickles: Use the whole pods to make colourful, flavourful pickles with vinegar and spices.
- Salsas and sauces: Add to fresh salsas or cook in hot sauces for balanced heat and a pop of colour.
- Raw: Chop into salads or use as a crisp, hot addition to wraps and sandwiches.
- Grilling and smoking: Grill or smoke the pods for unique flavours in your dishes.
Bulgarian Carrot is a colourful, versatile chilli, valued as much for its looks as for its fresh, crisp flavour. A good fit for growers who want a fast-growing, high-yielding plant with attractive pods.
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost and keep warm, at about 25–30 °C for best germination. The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the air humid. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20 °C and take them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing.
