is a wild chili pepper having genetic proximity to the cultivated pepper Capsicum chinense native to the Amazon Basin. Pepper cultivars of C. frutescens can be annual or short-lived perennial plants. Flowers are white with a greenish white or greenish yellow corolla, and are either insect- or self-pollinated. The plants' berries typically grow erect; ellipsoid-conical to lanceoloid shaped. They are usually very small and pungent, growing 10–20 millimetres (0.39–0.79 in) long and 3–7 millimetres (0.12–0.28 in) in diameter. Fruit typically grows a pale yellow and matures to a bright red, but can also be other colors. C. frutescens has a smaller variety of shapes compared to other Capsicum species. C. frutescens has been bred to produce ornamental strains because of its large quantities of erect peppers growing in colorful ripening patterns.
Grow your plants on the dry side. Don't withhold water totally, but be stingy with it. Allow the plants to remain dry for several days before watering again.​
To plant the starters, simply dig an approximately 3″ by 3″ hole in a location that receives good sun exposure. Gently place the starter pepper in the hole and cover with dirt. Plant additional starters between 12 and 18 inches apart. Hawaiian chili peppers require consistent water so don't let the soil get too dry.
Go easy on the fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer, but even compost. Along with minimal water, grow your plants on the lean side. Don't stress your pepper plants but don't pamper them. Get them established in the spring, then let them fend for themselves.​
Chili pepper plants need a lot of water at all times. It is a good idea to keep the soil moist and watering in the morning is best.
Although they like warm weather, Hawaiian pepper plants can stop blooming and even drop fruit when the outdoor temperatures go above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hawaiian chile peppers have a high level of spice, ranging 100,000 to 250,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, and have been widely adopted into Hawaiian cuisine, most commonly used in a condiment known as chile pepper water.
