Cola de Rata - 15 seeds

Cola de Rata / Rat's Tail / Chile de Arbol is distinguished by its elongated red fruits and strong, almost tree-like growth. The peppers ripen relatively slowly and the variety loves heat, so a greenhouse is the safest choice for a good and fully ripe harvest.

Characteristics of the variety

• Name: Cola de Rata
• Other names: Rat's Tail / Chile de Arbol
• Botanical species: Capsicum annuum
• Type: Chili pepper
• Hotness: 30,000–50,000 SHU
• Fruit length: about 10 cm
• Width: about 1 cm
• Ripe color: Red
• Height: up to about 120 cm
• Growth: Strong and upright
• Stems: Thick, strong and woody
• Requirements: Heat-loving variety with a longer ripening period
• Suitable for drying: Yes.

🔥 Anger

30,000–50,000 SHU

This is a highly hot pepper that offers significantly more spiciness than the Jalapeño.

🌱 Sowing and growing

Sowing: January – April
Germination temperature: 20–30°C
Planting: in a greenhouse or outside around the end of May
Recommended location: greenhouse , due to the need for heat and the long ripening period
Height: up to 120 cm
Support: taller plants can be tied to stakes
Pruning: possible for a more compact shape.

In the fall, the plants can be moved to pots and continue fruiting on a bright windowsill.

☀️ Drying and use

The thin fruits are particularly suitable for drying . Traditionally, they are strung on strings and left to dry, after which they can be stored whole or ground.

The dried fruits are excellent for chili flakes, chili powder, sauces, marinades, soups and spicy dishes . With this variety, drying is one of the most interesting uses.

💡 Tip from Urban Botaniks: With Rat's Tail / Cola de Rata / Chile de Arbol we emphasize the thin 10-centimeter fruits, strong tree-like growth and excellent suitability for drying . Provide the most warm and sunny place, and if possible use a greenhouse - the variety has a longer ripening period , which is especially important in our shorter warm season.