Capsicum annuum
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Tried and True Recommended by 3 Professionals
Common Name: pepper
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Solanaceae
Zone: 9 to 11
Native Range: Tropical North and South America
Height: 1 to 4 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
Bloom Color: White, Yellow
Bloom Description: White, yellow
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Fruit: Showy Fruit, Edible Fruit
Tolerates: Drought
Uses: Vegetable, Suitable as Annual

Culture

Annual. Easily grown in moist, organically rich, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Pinch young plants to promote bushiness. Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set seedlings or purchased plants out in the garden after last frost date.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Although grown in vegetable gardens for many years, peppers are becoming increasingly popular as ornamentals. Plants of this species are quite varied but generally grow in shrubby mounds to 1-4’ tall and feature star to bell-shaped white or yellow flowers and lance-shaped to oval medium green leaves. Flowers give way to edible peppers, ranging from extremely hot chili peppers to sweet bell peppers. Many cultivars have been developed with a view toward ornamental use, featuring attractive peppers in bright shades of red, yellow, purple, orange and brown. This species has been organized into five botanical groups: Cerasiforme group (cherry peppers), Conioides group (cone peppers), Fasciculatum group (red cone peppers), Grossum group (sweet bell peppers) and Longum group (chili peppers and cayenne peppers).

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Fungal and bacterial leaf spots, wilt and stem/root rots may occur. Taller plants may need staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Bedding, edging, containers, window boxes and houseplants.

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