Chilli and sweet pepper
Also called Chilli, Bell pepper, Capsicum.
| Light | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 3 days in the growing season, every 12 in winter |
| Humidity | medium |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Height | Up to 70 cm (28 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats not known, dogs not known |
Pet safety not established for this species.
Edible here means commonly eaten. Nothing on this site is medical or dietary advice.
Peppers and chillies are the same species and are grown the same way. They need a long warm season, which is why they are sown in the depths of the northern winter on a windowsill, months before anything else, and why a cool summer gives green fruit that never colours. Give them the warmest brightest spot you have, feed with a tomato feed once flowering starts, and keep them slightly potbound, which brings on fruiting. Chillies get hotter with dry roots and strong light, so ease the watering as the fruit ripens. In a mild climate a plant can be overwintered on a windowsill, cut back hard, and will crop earlier and harder in its second year than any new seedling.
Ailments observed
| It will not flower | Not enough warmth or light, or a plant fed too much nitrogen. Move it into the warmest brightest place you have and switch to a potash rich feed. |
|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | A sudden drop in temperature, or a plant that dried out. Keep it above twelve degrees and water evenly. Peppers shed leaves and flowers at the first cold night. |
Filed underPlants for a balcony or a small space
Neighbouring entries
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