HotPepperIndex
Capsicum annuum

Kumsi Pepper

Shimoga Taluk, Karnataka, India
Hot
Also known asNo alternate names on record
Scoville
0SHU
Heat0%
30k–100k SHU · Inferred from 'extremely hot' descriptions in specialty seed catalogs

The Kumsi Pepper is a rare and extremely hot cultivar of Capsicum annuum originating from Shimoga Taluk in Karnataka, India. It is known for its unusual large pods that grow facing upwards and is incredibly rare outside its native region. This landrace variety is prized by chili collectors for its unique growth habit and intense heat.

The Kumsi Pepper is an incredibly rare landrace Capsicum annuum from the Shimoga Taluk region of Karnataka, India. It stands out due to its very unusual growth habit where the large pods face upwards rather than hanging down like most peppers. Described by specialty seed collectors as extremely hot, it belongs to the hot heat category. The pepper is primarily known through niche seed catalogs and plant databases, with limited commercial availability. Its pods are noted for their large size and upright orientation, making it a distinctive addition to any chili garden. Due to its rarity, detailed flavor profiles and culinary traditions are not widely documented, but as a hot annuum it likely offers a sharp, pungent heat suitable for traditional Indian spice applications or as a fresh addition to curries and chutneys. Growing it requires warm tropical conditions similar to other annuum varieties, with full sun and well-drained soil. As a rare cultivar, it appeals mainly to enthusiasts and collectors seeking unique peppers from South Asian origins.

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Backstory

A rare and unique landrace pepper from the Shimoga region of Karnataka, India, noted for its unusual pod orientation and intense heat. Incredibly rare outside its origin area, primarily preserved through specialty seed collections.

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Q&A

Substitutions

CayenneJalapeñoSerrano

Related variants

Appearance

Notes
Very unusual growth habit with pods facing upwards
Shape
elongated
Pod size
large
Pod orientation
upright facing up

Growing

Sun
full sun
Soil
well-drained fertile
Notes
Similar to other Capsicum annuum; rare landrace requiring warm conditions
Water
moderate
Climate
warm tropical to subtropical

Origin detail

Region
Shimoga Taluk, Karnataka
Country
India

Tags

rareindianupright podshotlandrace

Sources

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These references are used to verify what we publish — not as the source of the content itself. Seed catalogs, breeder pages, research papers, and cultivar databases let us cross-check every fact before it lands here. Open any card to read the original or dig deeper.

3 sources · 14 searches · 5.0k reasoning tokens · Added May 15, 2026, 20:38 UTC
Origins
A World of Capsicum
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