Holiday Cheer – A Colourful Pot Favourite with Medium Heat
What Makes Holiday Cheer Special
Holiday Cheer is a decorative chilli that bears masses of small pods in several colours – ideal for a windowsill or balcony. With medium heat and a colourful look, it is as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds.
Background and Name
Holiday Cheer was bred as an ornamental variety, but is fully edible. It has become popular with urban and hobby growers thanks to its compact shape and colourful pods.
Appearance and Growing Habit
The plant is compact, about 30–40 cm tall, with upright pods that change from green to purple, orange and red. It suits a pot, a hanging basket or life as an indoor chilli.
Estimated Scoville Heat
Approx. 30,000 – 50,000 SHU
Flavour Profile and Uses
Fruity and a little tangy, with moderate heat. Good for pickling, for stir-fries or as a decorative topping. Dried, it takes on a light fruity note.
Ways to Use Holiday Cheer
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Pickle as a colourful topping
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Use whole pods in hot pickles
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Dry into chilli flakes with a lovely colour
How to Grow Holiday Cheer
Holiday Cheer belongs to Capsicum annuum. Sow your chilli seeds between February and April. It is easy to grow and fast-growing – a good pick for beginners.
A variety that spreads both colour and heat – Holiday Cheer is a real mood-lifter!
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost or peat pellets and keep warm, at around 25–30 °C for best germination. The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the humidity up. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to around 20 °C and move them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, and can also go outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing.
