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Capsicum /ˈkæpsɪkəm/

Common name: Pepper · Bell pepper · Chili pepper

Capsicum A genus of around 30 species of shrubs and perennials in the nightshade family, native to Central and South America, where peppers have been cultivated for thousands of years. The genus spans everything from sweet bell peppers to fiery chilis, with heat determined by the amount of capsaicin in the fruit. Peppers grow as warm-season annuals in temperate gardens and as year-round container plants indoors, thriving in full sun with warmth, regular water, and rich soil.

Care summary

Sun Full sun, 6+ hours daily
Water Evenly moist soil; avoid waterlogging
Soil Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–6.8
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • The heat of hot varieties comes from capsaicin, measured on the Scoville scale.
  • Birds are immune to capsaicin and disperse pepper seeds in the wild — the burn only deters mammals.
  • All bell peppers start out green; red, orange, and yellow fruits are the ripened stage.

Common problems

    • Water deeply and consistently
    • Mulch to even out soil moisture
    • Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer
    • Provide afternoon shade during heatwaves
    • Keep plants evenly watered
    • Wait for cooler nights to set fruit
    • Blast pests off with water
    • Spray undersides with insecticidal soap
    • Release or attract ladybugs
    • Keep healthy leaf canopy over fruit
    • Use shade cloth in intense sun
    • Avoid over-pruning fruiting plants