Capsicum annuum /ˈkæpsɪkəm ˈan.nu.ũː/
Common name: Pepper · Bell pepper · Chili pepper
Capsicum annuum is a bushy, tender perennial usually grown as an annual, producing hollow, fleshy fruits ranging from sweet bell peppers to hot chilies. Native to southern North America and the Caribbean, it is the most commonly domesticated of the five cultivated Capsicum species. Despite the species name "annuum", plants can live several years in frost-free climates.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun, 6+ hours daily
Water
Evenly moist soil; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–6.8
Hardiness
Zones 9–11; grown as annual elsewhere
Mature height
0.3–1.2 m (1–4 ft)
Pet safe
Foliage and unripe fruit mildly toxic to pets
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Grown from seed started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, as it needs a long, warm season. Sow about 0.5 cm deep in warm (20-25 C) conditions, and transplant seedlings outside once nights stay reliably mild.
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.