Variegated Pequin

Variegated Pequin is a named pequin-type Capsicum annuum grown for both heat and ornamental value, with public hobby references showing the name in circulation by 2005 and modern seed listings showing it established in specialist pepper seed trade by at least 2021. It is treated in current circulation as a distinct variegated pequin line rather than a general description for any striped bird pepper.

The plant is consistently described as small, compact, and bushy, but notably productive, carrying heavy sets of small oval to pequin-type fruit. The foliage is one of its defining traits, showing green and white marbling or variegation across the leaves, giving it a strong ornamental look even before fruit develops.

The pods are also described as variegated while immature. Current seller descriptions place the ripening sequence from pale green through ivory, then orange, and finally bright to orangish red at full maturity. The fruit is small and hot, with heat repeatedly placed in the pequin range and specifically listed at 40,000 to 60,000 SHU by Tyler Farms.

In current pepper culture, Variegated Pequin sits in the ornamental-hot niche rather than as a standard culinary field pepper. Its identity is tied to the combination of pequin-type heat and fruit set with decorative green-and-white foliage and striped immature pods, which is why it is repeatedly marketed as a rare or hard-to-find variety by specialist seed sellers.