HotPepperIndex
Capsicum baccatum

Nepalese Bell Pepper

Nepal
Medium
Also known asNepali Pepper · Nepali Bell Pepper
Scoville
0SHU
Heat0%
5k–15k SHU · Seed vendor listings including chili-shop24.com and multiple grower descriptions

The Nepalese Bell Pepper is a rare, high-yielding baccatum heirloom from Nepal with a distinctive UFO-like bell shape and mild to medium heat concentrated near the seeds. Plants grow tall and produce abundant crops of nutty, sweet-spicy fruits that ripen from green through orange to red.

The Nepalese Bell Pepper, also known as Nepali Pepper, is a unique Capsicum baccatum cultivar originating from Nepal that stands out for its bizarre, flattened bell shape featuring prominent furrows and protruding wings, resembling small UFOs about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) across. The fruits ripen from green to orange and finally to a medium red, with a lush, nutty flavor that is sweet and mildly spicy overall, though the heat intensifies significantly near the tips and seeds while the main body often remains very mild. Plants are vigorous and tall, reaching 3 to 4 feet in height, and are exceptionally productive, often yielding over 100 peppers per plant across multiple flushes starting around 75-100 days. This rare variety was rescued and introduced to North American gardeners through events like the Baker Creek Spring Planting Festival and is prized for its high yields and ornamental appeal. It thrives in warm conditions and full sun, making it a favorite for those seeking something beyond standard bell peppers.

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Backstory

A rare Nepalese heirloom rescued for North American gardens after being discovered at the Baker Creek Spring Planting Festival. Known for exceptional productivity on large plants and its one-of-a-kind winged bell shape, it represents an effort to preserve unique regional varieties from extinction.

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Flavor

Nutty and sweet with a mild spicy kick that becomes more pronounced near the seeds and tips; some describe a tart, rhubarb-like fruity note in the background.

nuttysweetspicyfruity

Culinary uses

stuffedstewedpickledsaladsdried seasoningcream cheese filling

Q&A

Substitutions

Bishop’s CrownBell PepperSugar Rush Red

Related variants

Appearance

Size
2-3 inches across, medium weight
Skin
smooth with distinctive ridges
Flesh
thick walled
Shape
flattened bell with furrows and protruding wings, UFO-like
Colour
green ripening through orange to medium red

Growing

Sun
full sun, 6-8 hours minimum
Soil
well-drained, fertile, loamy
Notes
High yielding baccatum variety needing ample space; warm climate preferred, productive in tunnels or greenhouses
Water
consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
Harvest
green for milder flavor or fully red for sweeter taste
Plant height
3-4 feet tall
Days to maturity
75-100 days for first crop, continues into fall

Nutrition

Notes
Typical Capsicum profile with good antioxidant content
Vitamin A
high
Vitamin C
high

Origin detail

Region
South Asia
Country
Nepal

Tags

rareheirloomhigh-yieldbaccatumunique-shapenutty-flavormild-to-medium-heatNepal

Sources

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5 sources · 10 searches · 5.2k reasoning tokens · Added May 15, 2026, 05:51 UTC
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