Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Also known as Bell Pepper · Bird Pepper · Bird's Eye Chilli
Tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is a cultivar of chili pepper known for its iconic hot sauce. It features small, erect fruits that ripen from green to red.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and fruiting.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 21-29°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular Feeding
75% intensity
Feed with balanced fertilizer during growth, switching to high phosphorus during flowering.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Prune Tabasco peppers to encourage bushier growth and more fruit. Pinch back the tips of young plants to promote branching. Remove any dead or diseased stems. Light pruning can be done in spring.
Tabasco peppers are typically propagated from seeds sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep moist and warm.
Transplant seedlings after the danger of frost has passed.
Repot young plants into larger containers as they outgrow their current pots, usually when roots start to fill the pot. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Mature plants may not need frequent repotting but can benefit from fresh soil annually.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tabasco Pepper (Capsicum frutescens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Capsicum |
| Species | Capsicum frutescens |
Similar in genus Capsicum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
