Mattapeno x Nosegay

Mattapeno x Nosegay is a Capsicum annuum hybrid from Matt's Peppers, already circulating in Matt's Laboratory packs by early 2024 as an F2 cross. It sits in the same group of Mattapeño-derived ornamental-edible hybrids that were created by crossing the variegated Mattapeño with other unusual annuum lines.

The hybrid combines two very different annuum types. Mattapeño contributes white-splashed variegated foliage, purple stems, striped jalapeño-type fruit, compact growth, and mild jalapeño-range heat. Nosegay contributes an extremely dwarf ornamental habit, bay-like green leaves, clustered tiny upright fruit, and a multicolour ripening display. Together these traits place Mattapeno x Nosegay in the compact ornamental-hot category rather than as a standard full-size culinary jalapeño type.

The most distinctive features attached to this cross are compact habit, ornamental fruiting, and variegation. Nosegay is described as one of the smallest peppers, usually only about 15.0 to 20.0 cm tall, with clusters of tiny round upright fruit under 20 mm, while Mattapeño is described as compact, prolific, and highly ornamental from both foliage and pod striping. That parent combination points to a small, decorative annuum line with clustered fruit, strong container potential, and foliage appeal as much as pod appeal.

Fruit colour in circulation around the parent lines runs from pale cream or green-white in the immature stage through orange and then red at maturity, which matches the ornamental multicolour presentation that makes both parents attractive. Heat also sits in the mild-to-medium range rather than the superhot range, with Nosegay described from very mild to medium-hot and Mattapeño described as mild with a hint of sweetness.