If you’re a lover of bold flavours and a little heat, why not bring some excitement to your garden and kitchen by growing your own chillies?
With a wide range of varieties available, chillies not only add vibrant colour and texture to your garden, they also pack a punch in your kitchen. Among the most iconic and versatile are Pimientos de Padrón, Anaheim, Serrano, Tabasco, and Sriracha. These five chillies each bring a unique flavour profile, heat level and culinary use that can elevate any dish. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your garden and on your plate.
Pimientos de Padrón: The surprise pepper
Hailing from the Galicia region in Spain, Pimientos de Padrón are a must-grow for those who enjoy a culinary surprise. These small wrinkled green peppers are typically mild with a sweet, slightly smoky flavour, but occasionally one will surprise you with a fiery kick. This unpredictable heat makes Padrón peppers a favourite for tapas, where they’re often blistered in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
Easy to grow, they thrive in warm conditions and can be harvested when about 5–7 cm long. Whether mild or hot, they’re sure to bring a touch of excitement to your garden and table.

Anaheim: The milder choice for versatile cooking
Anaheim chillies are a great choice for those who prefer a milder, more versatile pepper. Originally from New Mexico but named after the city of Anaheim in California, these chillies are known for their bright green colour and long, slender shape.
With a mild heat level, Anaheim chillies are perfect for stuffing, grilling or adding a gentle spice to sauces and salsas. They’re often used in traditional Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos, where their large size and mild flavour make them an ideal stuffing pepper.
In the garden, they’re prolific producers, offering a generous harvest of flavourful, easy-to-use chillies.

Serrano: The bold and zesty pepper
For those who enjoy a bit more heat, Serrano chillies are a fantastic choice. Originating from the mountainous regions of Puebla and Hidalgo in Mexico, these chillies pack more of a punch than their milder counterparts.
Serranos are smaller and thinner than Anaheims, with a crisp, bright flavour and a heat level that’s just right for those who like a bit of a kick. They’re a staple in Mexican cuisine, often used fresh in salsas, guacamole, and as a garnish for tacos and other dishes. Serranos are also perfect for pickling, bringing a bold, zesty flavour to your preserved goods.

Tabasco: The fiery sauce star
When it comes to iconic chillies, Tabasco is hard to beat. Known for its role in the world-famous hot sauce of the same name, Tabasco chillies bring a fiery heat that’s not for the faint-hearted. These small, slender peppers start green and mature to a vibrant red, offering a sharp, spicy flavour that’s essential for making hot sauces and adding heat to various dishes.
Originally from the Mexican state of Tabasco, these chillies have a rich history and a distinctive flavour that’s been enjoyed for generations.
Growing Tabasco chillies in your garden is a great way to produce your own homemade hot sauce, giving you control over the intensity and flavour.

Sriracha: The sweet and spicy superstar
Sriracha has taken the world by storm, and growing your own Sriracha chillies lets you enjoy the fresh, sweet-spicy flavour right from your garden. Medium-hot, whether you’re making your own version of the famous Sriracha sauce or adding them fresh to stir-fries, marinades, or dips, these chillies bring a depth of flavour that’s hard to match. Harvest when red and use fresh, dried, or fermented.

Grow your own iconic chillies
Adding these iconic chillies to your garden is more than just cultivating plants – it’s about cultivating flavour. Whether you’re a fan of mild heat or fiery spice, there’s a chilli here for every palate and dish.
To help you spice up your culinary creations, each chilli comes with a recipe. Simply scan the QR code on the back of the label.
Happy gardening and even happier cooking!