Capsicum annuum var. annuum (Longum Group) 'Filius Blue'

RHS Plant Profile
chilli pepper 'Filius Blue'

Other common names

sweet pepper 'Filius Blue'

Award of Garden Merit
Annual Biennial

A highly ornamental chilli pepper variety producing attractive, edible, ovoid fruits, dark-purple to black that ripen to a fiery red. The fruits lose their heat as they ripen so harvest when young. This is a small variety that is perfectly suited to container growing and will tolerate outdoor climates in a sunny position. Harvest July to October

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Irritant if eatenskin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Capsicum are annual or perennial plants, with simple, alternate leaves, and tubular or bell-shaped flowers. They are grown for their glossy, many-seeded edible fruits, including chilli and bell peppers, and as indoor ornamental plants
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Sow indoors from mid-February to early April in small pots filled with good quality seed compost and maintain a constant temperature between 18-21C. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when two true leaves have formed and grow on in a sunny, sheltered spot. Water regularly and feed with a high potash liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pinch out growing tip to encourage bushiness

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey mould