Also known as Aji Amarillo · Banana Pepper · Bell Pepper
Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a versatile plant prized for its diverse, pungent fruits used globally in cuisine and for ornamental appeal.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
High
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 21-29°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed regularly during growing season, adjust for fruiting.
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
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage by using pots with drainage holes.
Reduce watering frequency during cooler months or when the plant is dormant to prevent waterlogging.
Prune to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth.
For mature plants, selectively remove branches that cross or rub against each other to prevent damage and disease entry.
Chili peppers are typically propagated from seeds. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a seed-starting mix and keep moist and warm (around 21-27°C).
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and they have developed several true leaves.
Repot chili pepper plants when they become root-bound, usually every 1-2 years. Choose a pot that is 5-10 cm larger in diameter than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repot in spring before the active growing season begins for optimal results.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
13 known issues from plant disease data
Bacterial spot on Pepper causes small water-soaked leaf and fruit spots that turn dark, rough, and scabby, often leading to leaf drop.
Phytophthora blight on Pepper causes sudden wilt, dark stem lesions, and fruit rot that quickly collapse entire Pepper plants.
Anthracnose on Pepper causes sunken, dark fruit lesions that enlarge fast, making peppers rot, shrivel, and lose market quality.
Tomato spotted wilt on Pepper causes bronzed leaves, ring spots, stunting, and deformed fruit that make plants look weak and patchy.
Southern blight on Pepper causes rapid wilting at the base, stem decay near the soil line, and sudden collapse of the plant.
Powdery mildew on Pepper causes white dusty patches on leaves, followed by yellowing, curling, and reduced plant vigor.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Capsicum |
| Species | Capsicum annuum |
Similar in genus Capsicum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
