NuMex Easter Pepper

NuMex Easter Pepper is a compact ornamental cultivar belonging to the species Capsicum annuum. Developed by renowned breeder Paul W. Bosland at the Chile Pepper Institute of New Mexico State University, the open-pollinated variety was introduced in 2014, earning recognition as an All-America Selections (AAS) Vegetable Award Winner for its outstanding garden performance and visual appeal.

Distinguished by its dwarf growth habit, the plant produces dense, upright clusters of smooth, conical fruits held neatly above green foliage. The pods undergo a striking pastel color transition, progressing from soft lavender and pale yellow through vibrant orange and red, offering both medium heat pungency and high decorative value for container gardens and borders.

Origin and Genetics

The NuMex Easter pepper was bred by Paul W. Bosland at the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Formally introduced to the public in 2014, this stable, open-pollinated Capsicum annuum cultivar quickly gained national acclaim by winning a 2014 All-America Selections (AAS) Award for its exceptional ornamental traits and uniform dwarf structure.

Botanical Profile

NuMex Easter features a compact dwarf growth habit with dense green foliage and small white flowers. The plant exhibits a determinate structure that displays its fruit upright in dense clusters above the canopy.

The thin-walled, smooth pods are distinctly conical and maintain an erect orientation throughout development. What makes the cultivar visually remarkable is its simultaneous display of multi-stage fruit, which shifts gradually across four distinct pastel tones: lavender to pale yellow, orange, and red.

Heat Profile

While bred primarily for aesthetic appeal, NuMex Easter produces medium heat fruit. The thin-walled peppers possess noticeable pungency, setting them apart from purely sweet decorative nightshades.

Cultivation

NuMex Easter is well-adapted for container cultivation, greenhouse production, and patio plantings due to its naturally restrained footprint. The cultivar thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil conditions to maintain vigorous foliage and consistent fruit production throughout the growing season.

Culinary Applications

Classified as a pungent edible ornamental, NuMex Easter pods can be harvested for culinary use. Their vivid multi-stage colors make the fresh pods a striking decorative garnish or spicy addition to raw dishes.