Chili Pepper.

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Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Annual

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 2 to 4 days

Mature size

60 to 100 cm

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to summer

Cuidados

Keep your peppers in the sunniest spot you have and ensure they get plenty of warmth. Watch for drooping leaves as a sign they need water, but be careful not to let them sit in soggy soil. Consistent moisture and high light are the keys to a heavy harvest.

Watering

Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Pinch back the growing tips early on to encourage a bushier, more productive plant.

Repotting

Repotting is generally not needed for annuals, but use a large container if growing in pots.

Soil

Well draining, fertile, loamy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 6.8

Temperature

15 to 32°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Tender perennial, often grown as an annual.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

The plant is generally safe to handle, but the capsaicin in the fruit can cause severe irritation to eyes and mucous membranes.

Pets

Chili peppers are generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs, though the capsaicin can cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.

Children

Keep children away from handling hot peppers, as the residue can easily cause painful irritation if they touch their eyes or face.

Contact allergens

Handling the fruit can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to capsaicin oils.

Airborne allergens

Pollen is generally heavy and not a significant airborne allergen.

Edibility

While the fruit is edible, the foliage and stems contain solanine and should not be consumed.

Cómo identificarla

• Glossy, lance shaped green leaves
• Small, star shaped white flowers
• Pendent or upright colorful fruit
• Woody stems as plant matures

Height

0.3 to 1.2m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

white, 1 to 2cm

Fruit

red, yellow, orange, green, Summer to autumn

Problemas frecuentes

• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck sap, often causing leaf curling.
• Blossom End Rot — A dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit caused by calcium deficiency or uneven watering.
• Bacterial Leaf Spot — Small, dark, water soaked spots on leaves that may turn yellow and drop.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

seed

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

In cold climates, bring containers indoors to a sunny window before the first frost. Keep the soil slightly drier during the winter months to prevent root rot.

In containers

Peppers grow very well in containers, provided you use a pot at least 12 inches wide with good drainage.

Planting aromatic herbs like basil nearby can help mask the scent of peppers from hungry pests.

Buenas compañeras

• Basil — Basil is thought to improve the flavor of peppers and repel certain pests.
• Marigold — Marigolds help deter nematodes and other soil pests.
• Onion — Onions can help repel aphids and other insects that bother peppers.

Mantenla lejos de

• Fennel — Fennel is known to inhibit the growth of many garden vegetables.
• Beans — Beans and peppers can compete for similar nutrients and attract similar pests.

Especies parecidas

• Tomato — Both are members of the nightshade family and share similar growing requirements.
• Eggplant — Like peppers, eggplants are heat loving nightshades that benefit from similar soil conditions.

Ciencia

Family

Solanaceae

Genus

Capsicum

Order

Solanales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical regions of the Americas.

Conservation

This species is widely cultivated and not of conservation concern.

The plant relies on bees for pollination and produces bright fruit to encourage seed dispersal by birds, which are unaffected by the heat.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees

Uses

culinary vegetable, ornamental container plant, spice production

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Why are my peppers not turning red?

Many peppers need more time and consistent warmth to fully ripen to their final color.

Can I grow peppers in pots?

Yes, they thrive in containers as long as they get plenty of sun and regular water.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus name Capsicum comes from the Greek word kapto, meaning to bite, referring to the pungent heat of the fruit. The species name annuum means annual, though the plant is often grown as a short lived perennial in frost free climates.

Bueno saberlo

• Peppers are technically berries.
• The heat in peppers is measured on the Scoville scale.
• Bell peppers are just sweet varieties of the same species as hot peppers.
• Peppers are members of the nightshade family.