About
Capsicum annuum 'Padron' is a popular variety of chili pepper used in Spanish tapas. The plant yields small green fruits, reaching lengths of up to 5 cm while still immature. As the peppers mature, they grow larger and turn red, but they are most flavorful when harvested at the smaller size. The heat level can vary, though it is typically mild. Harvesting occurs from July to 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
- Columnar upright
- 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 mid-February to early April on the surface of small pots filled with good quality seed compost and maintain a constant temperature between 21-25C. 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. Harvest when peppers are small and still green. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice
- Pruning
- Pinch out growing tips to encourage branching
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds and blossom end rot