John Harper

Location: United Kingdom
Known For: Creator of the 7 Pot Bubblegum (BBG) strain, including the bleeding calyx phenotype

Jon Harper is a UK-based chili breeder widely credited with one of the most visually distinctive innovations in chili pepper genetics — the 7 Pot Bubblegum (BBG) strain. Harper’s most iconic contribution is the introduction of the "bleeding calyx" trait, where the color of the pepper “bleeds” into the stem and calyx, creating a striking appearance that quickly gained popularity among chili enthusiasts.

The original BBG was a cross between a Trinidad 7 Pot Yellow and a red Moruga strain, selectively bred for its extreme heat and bleeding calyx trait. Harper spent years stabilizing the phenotype, and his meticulous selection led to the birth of a new class of peppers known broadly as “Bubblegum” types — often abbreviated as BBG followed by a number or descriptor (e.g., BBG7, BBG Peach).

While Harper did not seek commercial fame, his work was quickly adopted and modified by other breeders around the world. His BBG lines became the genetic foundation for dozens of hybrids, including Frankenstein Bubblegum, BBG Chocolate, BBG Peach, and others. The aesthetic of the bleeding calyx, once considered an anomaly, has now become a sought-after trait in both ornamental and superhot circles.

Jon has been praised in chili grower forums for being generous with his seeds and for contributing to open-source-style breeding among the global chili growing community.

Notable Creations:

Legacy:
Jon Harper's pioneering of the bleeding calyx phenotype reshaped visual expectations in chili breeding. His Bubblegum line is now foundational in hundreds of crosses, proving that chili breeding isn’t just about heat — it’s about art.

Sources / References

  1. The Hot Pepper Forum – Original BBG grow logs and breeder posts (2013–2015)
  2. UK Chili Growers Group – Facebook discussions and posts from Jon Harper
  3. PepperLover Seed Descriptions – BBG strain history
  4. Refining Fire Chiles, White Hot Peppers – Vendor descriptions and breeder attributions
  5. ChiliPepperMadness.com – Profile on bleeding calyx peppers