Purple Ufo

Purple Ufo – an out-of-this-world beautiful chilli with a distinct flavour

What makes Purple Ufo special

Purple Ufo is a fantastic chilli variety that draws the eye with its unique shape and intense colour. It is medium-hot, fruity and a lovely shimmering purple – a real ornament in the chilli garden that also delivers flavour and strength.

Background and name

The variety got its name from the characteristic shape of the pods – rounded, flattened and sometimes with a small ‘bowl shape’, which makes them look like flying saucers. Purple Ufo is thought to descend from a selective cross of ornamental varieties in the USA and has quickly become a favourite with hobby growers and collectors.

Appearance and growth habit

The plants are medium-tall, about 70–90 cm, and very decorative with dark stems and purple leaves. The pods ripen from dark purple to red-violet and finally red, often with colour shifts remaining on the surface.

Estimated Scoville heat

Approx. 20,000 – 30,000 SHU

Flavour and uses

The flavour is mild to medium, with fruity and berry undertones. The pods are thick-walled and good for stuffing, but also work well pickled or in fresh salsas.

Ways to use Purple Ufo

• Perfect for stuffing with cream cheese or mince

• Pickle in vinegar for a colourful topping

• Lovely dried as decoration

How to grow Purple Ufo

Purple Ufo belongs to Capsicum annuum. Sow your chilli seeds between February and April. It is fast-growing and rewarding in both pots and the open ground. Likes a sunny spot and crops generously all season.

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.