Can I eat a pepper with blossom end rot?

You can cut off the affected part and eat the rest if it is not mushy. However, it is usually better to discard it.

Do I need to add calcium to the soil?

Usually, there is enough calcium in the soil, but the plant cannot move it to the fruit without steady water. Focus on watering first.

Chili pepper: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is drying out too much between waterings.
Look at the location of the spots on the fruit.
Ensure you are not over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Likely causes

Blossom End Rot
Most likely
How to tell: A dark, sunken, leathery spot appears on the bottom of the developing fruit.
What to do: Maintain a consistent watering schedule so the soil never dries out completely. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers that can interfere with calcium uptake.
Sunscald
Possible
How to tell: White or tan papery spots appear on the side of the pepper exposed to direct sun.
What to do: Ensure the plant has enough foliage to shade its own fruit. If the plant is sparse, use a light shade cloth during the hottest hours.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chili pepper

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Blossom end rot ruins the fruit, but the plant itself can still produce healthy peppers later. Remove affected fruit so the plant stops wasting energy on them.

Stopping it coming back

Keep soil moisture steady and avoid sudden swings in watering frequency.

Chili pepper: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chili pepper and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I eat a pepper with blossom end rot?: You can cut off the affected part and eat the rest if it is not mushy. However, it is usually better to discard it.
Do I need to add calcium to the soil?: Usually, there is enough calcium in the soil, but the plant cannot move it to the fruit without steady water. Focus on watering first.

Guides to these causes

Blossom End Rot

Why are there spots on my chili pepper fruit?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your chili pepper?