Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Orange | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 indoors on a windowsill or glasshouse, or outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered position and grow in containers or peat-free growing bags. Water regularly and feed with a high potassium liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips when they are about 20cm tall to encourage bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to blossom end rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.