Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.
Helios
Pepper
PepperCapsicum chinense
- Full sun
- Zones 10–11
- 67 days to maturity
- Vegetables
- 18" spacing
- High water
- Annual
Overview
Helios is a hybrid habanero pepper reaching maturity in 67 days. This variety produces abundant fruit with vibrant coloring typical of habanero cultivars. The peppers deliver exceptional heat with a distinctive flavor profile combining fruity and citrusy undertones beneath the intense spiciness—a defining characteristic that sets Helios apart from standard habaneros. The complex flavor makes it ideal for hot sauces, salsas, and culinary applications where both heat and nuanced taste are desired. Suited for full-sun growing in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, Helios appeals to heat-seeking gardeners and pepper enthusiasts seeking flavor complexity beyond mere spiciness.
Planting
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant after soil warms to 60°F+
Growing
Sun: full. Water: high. Soil: Well-drained loam, slightly acidic to neutral. Space plants 18" apart. Germination: 7-14 days.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, thrips, flea beetles. Common diseases: Phytophthora blight, bacterial spot, tobacco mosaic virus.