VLoveof Nature

Chili pepper

Capsicum annuum

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Chili pepper · Capsicum annuum

Small green and red fruit on a low plant, fine in pots on a sunny balcony.

Care and placement

Needs 6–8 hours of sun, a pot at least 25–30 cm deep, even moisture without waterlogging and 18–26 °C; flowers drop above about 29–35 °C so shade from afternoon sun; balanced feed plus phosphorus and potassium at flowering.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 80 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 50 cm

Things to consider

Chili fruit contains capsaicin which burns: do not rub eyes after touching, wash hands after picking and wear gloves when processing large amounts; keep from young children. Note ASPCA's 'ornamental pepper' is a Solanum (toxic), not Capsicum chili.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a pot at least 25–30 cm deep with drainage holes (a heavy pot steadies it in wind), loose humus-rich mix; sow seed or set transplants when warm. Mulch to hold moisture.

  2. Light

    Full sun 6–8+ hours; above 35 °C fruit set drops and flowers abort — shade the afternoon sun and keep moisture steady.

  3. Watering

    Keep soil moist but not soggy; erratic watering causes blossom-end rot and stress, overwatering causes root rot; mulch to conserve moisture.

  4. Feeding

    Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) at half strength every 2–3 weeks while growing; add phosphorus and potassium at flowering and fruiting and avoid excess nitrogen. (Sources differ on stopping once fruit sets.)

  5. Pruning

    Pinch young plants to branch; remove yellow leaves; lightly thin dense branches for airflow.

  6. Propagation

    Sow seed (start in trays then plant out when warm). The plant is self-pollinating; gentle shaking or hand-pollination improves fruit set.

  7. Pests and common problems

    NC State: watch for aphids and whiteflies; also cutworms, pepper maggots, Colorado potato beetles and spider mites. Sunscald (large tan sunken soft areas); blossom-end rot from erratic watering. Flowers drop with extreme heat or cold, strong wind, high humidity or nutrient problems.

  8. For heavy fruiting

    For heavy fruiting: 6–8 hours of sun, 18–26 °C (shade in extreme heat), steady watering, extra phosphorus–potassium at flowering, no excess nitrogen, shaking to aid pollination and regular picking of ripe fruit to prompt more.