The tapered fruits, around 4 cm long, are initially pale yellowish-green and turn yellow and orange before ripening to bright red.

[5] As they are native to the Mexican state of Tabasco, seeds require much warmth to germinate and grow best when the temperature is between 25–30 °C (77–86 °F).

If grown outside their natural habitat, the peppers are planted two to three weeks after the last frost when soil temperatures exceed 10 °C (50 °F) and the weather has settled.

A location that receives plenty of light and heat, with soil that is fertile, lightweight, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–7.0), and well-drained, is ideal for growing the plants.

[6] Growers are careful to make sure that fertilizers and soil are rich in phosphorus, potassium, and calcium and low in nitrogen, which can deter fruit growth.