Basket of Fire™ Pepper

Basket of Fire™ is a compact F1 hot pepper whose small, upright fruits create a changing display from purple through cream and orange to bright red. Its semi-trailing habit makes it especially useful in hanging baskets and containers, where fruit can be seen around the foliage. ## Site and Growth Grow in a sunny position after frost danger has passed, in a basket or pot with good drainage. Syngenta lists an approximate mature size of 18 inches tall by 24 inches wide. The plant is prolific and the breeder notes that it continues fruiting into autumn. ## Fruit and Use The thin, tapered peppers are about 1½–2½ inches long and rated around 80,000 Scoville units. They are edible as well as ornamental and can be used fresh, dried, frozen, pickled, or in sauces. Pick fruit as it reaches the color and heat stage you prefer. ## Maintenance Use a free-draining potting mix and water thoroughly when the surface begins to dry; small containers may need more frequent checks in warm weather. Keep moisture reasonably even as the plant flowers and fruits, and remove ripe fruit regularly. [Syngenta’s Basket of Fire profile](https://www.syngentaflowers.com/ams/product/vegetalis/70093989) documents its size, colors, habit, and uses; [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/peppers-in-the-garden) provides general pepper care.