"The Datil pepper is to St. Augustine what wine is to Napa or pineapples are to Hawaii. A signature local flavor that you must experience when in Northeast Florida."
There’s a flavor that defines St. Augustine. A fiery secret kept alive for generations by Minorcan families and local gardeners. The Datil Pepper, our region’s iconic golden‑orange chili, delivers a rare blend of intense heat and surprising sweetness that you can find growing right here in St. Johns County.
The Datil is to the First Coast what the Hatch Chile is to New Mexico. It’s so integral to the local identity that St. Johns County designated the Datil as its official plant. While Datils can be grown elsewhere, they show their best in the unique coastal climate of Northeast Florida.
As your local horticultural experts at Southern Horticulture, we’ve spent years cultivating Datils in St. Augustine’s sandy soils and salty breeze. This guide is your definitive resource for the pepper’s story and, more importantly, how to grow Datils successfully in our Zone 9a/9b conditions.
The Datil pepper belongs to the Capsicum chinense species, the same family as Habanero and Scotch Bonnet — but Datil has a character all its own.
On the Scoville scale, Datils range from 100,000 to 300,000 SHU, firmly in the “very hot” category, similar to a standard Habanero.
What sets the Datil apart for Northeast Florida cooks is its distinctive balance of fruity sweetness and a slow building burn. You may catch notes of apricot or citrus before the heat blooms.
The name “Datil” references the pepper’s elongated, date‑like shape. Pods are typically 1–4 inches long.
Maturation Colors:
Plants are bushy and herbaceous, typically 2–3 feet in St. Augustine gardens. In our mild coastal climate, Datils can behave as short‑lived perennials if protected from occasional frost.
While its exact origins remain a topic of debate, with theories pointing to Cuba, Africa, or the Caribbean, the Datil's cultural significance in St. Augustine is unmistakable.
In 1777, survivors of the failed New Smyrna colony — many from Minorca, with others from Italy and Greece — walked north to St. Augustine seeking refuge. They brought culinary traditions and favored ingredients that took root here.
It was St. Augustine’s Minorcan community that really adopted the Datil, cultivated it for generations, and integrated it into signature dishes like Minorcan clam chowder and pilau.
For generations, Datils were a backyard treasure. Families guarded seeds and recipes closely, keeping the pepper largely local for nearly two centuries. By the late 1800s, Datils were recorded as one of the first Capsicum chinense peppers grown commercially in the United States, right here in St. Augustine.
There’s a local saying that Datils truly flourish here thanks to our combination of sea breeze, heat, and humidity. Generic pepper advice often falls short in Zone 9a/9b — here’s what works specifically for St. Augustine gardeners.
Datils need full sun (6–8 hours), but our mid‑summer sun can be brutal. Intense afternoon rays plus 90°+ temps can cause leaf scorch and stress.
Local Tip: Some report that planting on the east side of a structure or under high, filtered pine shade helps for bright morning sun with relief after 2 PM. In some locations this simple tweak can mark the difference between struggling plants and a heavy harvest in St. Augustine.
Our native soils are sandy, fast‑draining, and can lean alkaline — especially near coquina deposits. Datils prefer slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–6.8) and organically rich soil. Amend generously.
Timing matters in our long season with occasional frosts.
Summer storms are frequent, but inconsistent. Aim for steady moisture without waterlogging.
Fertilization Strategy:
St. Augustine growers face a short list of usual suspects. Here’s how to stay ahead of them.
Bacterial Leaf Spot (BLS): Common in the rainy season.
Powdery Mildew:
Pepper Weevil (Anthonomus eugenii): A top pepper pest in Florida.
Aphids, Whiteflies, Spider Mites:
Root‑knot nematodes thrive in sandy soils, causing root galls and stunted growth.
Expect 90–120 days from transplant to maturity. Picking at the right stage maximizes flavor and shelf life.
Fully ripe Datils are deep golden‑orange, but many experienced local growers harvest at the yellow stage for better short‑term keeping.
Harvest Technique: Wear gloves; capsaicin is potent. Snip with pruners leaving a short stem. Frequent picking encourages heavier yields through the season.
Datils are a pillar of St. Augustine’s food culture. A sweet heat that pairs beautifully with seafood, BBQ, and Lowcountry‑style sides.
Each year, St. Augustine celebrates our “Datil Pepper Capital” reputation at the Datil Pepper Fall Festival (typically October, hosted by UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County) with cooking contests, tastings, and growing demos.
Planning dinner in St. Augustine? Try local favorites and stop by our garden center to bring the flavor home:
Q: How hot is a Datil compared to a Habanero?
A: Similar heat (100,000–300,000 SHU), but Datils are notably sweeter and fruitier.
Q: When should I plant Datils in St. Augustine (Zone 9a/9b)?
A: Spring (Mar/Apr) after frost risk and warm soil. Many locals also plant in late Aug/early Sep for a strong fall harvest.
Q: Do Datils need salt air to grow?
A: Salt air isn’t required. What helps is our long, hot season and humidity — conditions the First Coast has in spades.
Q: Why are my plants leafy but not fruiting?
A: Usually excess nitrogen. Switch to a bloom/fruit‑forward fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium.
Q: Can I overwinter Datils in Northeast Florida?
A: Yes. Prune back in late winter and protect during cold snaps. Many plants return as short‑lived perennials.
Q: Where can I buy Datil pepper starter plants and sauces in St. Augustine?
A: Southern Horticulture at 1690 A1A South stocks starter plants while in season, and we carry Hamilton Heat Datil Pepper Sauce.
The Datil pepper is more than a plant; it’s a part of St. Augustine’s story, heritage, and community.
Ready to keep this local treasure alive in your own garden? Visit Southern Horticulture at 1690 A1A South for Datil starter plants (availability varies while in season), the right soil amendments for St. Johns County, expert local advice on pests and humidity, and shelves of authentic Datil sauces.
Happy growing!