Capsicum annuum 'Demon Red'

RHS Plant Profile
chilli pepper 'Demon Red'

Synonyms

Capsicum frutescens 'Demon Red'

Award of Garden Merit
Annual Biennial

A compact, bushy annual chilli pepper to 35cm high, with ovate, mid green leaves. Produces small white flowers in summer, which go on to abundant small upward-pointing fruits to approximately 4cm length. Fruits ripen to bright red with a hot flavour.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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

Grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost in bright, filtered light. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10 days until fruit begins to colour. 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

  • Edible fruit
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pinch out growing tips to encourage branching

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to virus diseases, fungal wilt, anthracnose and powdery mildews