About

This ornamental chili pepper features a compact, bushy growth that suits container gardening and hanging arrangements well. The small, spicy peppers transition in color from deep purple to yellow and orange, ultimately reaching a vivid red, offering an impressive visual display. Harvesting is optimal from July through October.

About the genus

Capsicum comprises both annual and perennial species characterized by simple, alternate foliage and flowers that are either tubular or bell-shaped. These plants are cultivated primarily for their glossy, multi-seeded fruits, which include varieties such as chili and bell peppers. Additionally, they serve as popular choices for indoor ornamental displays.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sand, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1C

Plant details

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants
Toxicity
Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten, skin/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

Care notes

Cultivation
Sow indoors from late Winter to mid-Spring in a small pot filled with good quality seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. When seedlings are 2.5cm tall transplant to individual pots, water and keep in a sunny spot. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice
Pruning
Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushiness. Don't remove the male flowers as fertilisation is essential
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to grey moulds and blossom end rot