Chili pepper care guide
Capsicum
Also known as: Chili pepper, Takanotsume chili
Pets and children
Caution advised
The fruit's pungent compounds burn the mouth, eyes, and stomach, and the leaves and stems can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats, so keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if it is eaten.
How often to water Chili pepper
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; in midsummer check each morning and water before the leaves wilt.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The fruit ripens red now; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Generally the outdoor season is over; a plant kept indoors gets a little water a few days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Chili pepper
A warm spot in full sun is about right; it likes heat and is generally planted from May, once it is reliably warm, with an early stake to hold the fruit-laden branches and keep air moving.
Overwintering Chili pepper
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Tender to cold, so it is generally pulled up before the first frost, and whole plants with ripe red fruit are hung to dry under airy eaves as a guide; kept indoors above about 10°C, a plant sometimes survives.
Fertilizing and repotting Chili pepper
Fertilizer
From two to three weeks after planting, a small dose of granular fertilizer around the plant once or twice a month is the usual guide, kept up into early autumn through the long harvest.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Chili pepper
- Planted while it is still cool, the seedling stalls and weakens.
- Drought makes the flowers and buds drop, so no fruit sets.
- Rubbing your eyes after handling the fruit causes sharp pain.
Tips for growing Chili pepper
- Pinching out side shoots below the first flower early opens up the base to air.
- Both green and ripe red fruit are usable, and the leaves can be eaten cooked.
- Gloves for harvesting and deseeding keep your hands from burning.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
