Also known as Aji Amarillo · Banana Pepper · Bell Pepper
Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a diverse group of fruiting plants in the nightshade family, prized for their culinary heat and vibrant colors.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost; temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant.
Moderate
50% intensity
Regular feeding with balanced fertilizer, switching to higher phosphorus/potassium during flowering and 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 chili peppers consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plant and affect fruit development. Reduce watering slightly as fruits ripen.
Pruning chili peppers is primarily done to improve air circulation and manage plant size. Pinch off the growing tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth. Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves promptly.
In some cases, heavy pruning can be done after harvest to revitalize the plant for a subsequent fruiting cycle.
Chili peppers are typically propagated by seed. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a sterile seed-starting mix and keep the soil consistently moist and warm (24-29°C).
Seeds germinate in 1-3 weeks. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after hardening off.
Chili peppers generally do not require frequent repotting if started in adequate-sized containers.
If the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots emerging from drainage holes or stunted growth, repot it into a slightly larger container, typically 2-4 inches wider in diameter. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repot in spring before active growth.
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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
Pepper mild mottle on Pepper causes mottled, distorted leaves and uneven, bumpy fruit that lowers the plant’s overall quality.
Cucumber mosaic on Pepper causes mottled, twisted leaves and small misshapen fruit, leaving plants stunted and uneven.
Verticillium wilt on Pepper causes lower leaves to yellow and wilt first, then the whole plant becomes weak, faded, and stunted.
Root-knot nematode on Pepper causes stunted growth, yellowing, wilting, and poor yield as roots become swollen and knotted.
Cercospora leaf spot on Pepper causes small tan to gray leaf spots with dark edges, leading to yellowing and early leaf drop.
Blossom-end rot on Pepper causes a dark, sunken patch at the blossom end of the fruit, making peppers unmarketable.
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
