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Chili Pepper

Capsicum annuum var. annuum

Vegetables

Hot peppers ranging from mildly spicy to fiery. Start seeds early indoors as they need a long, warm growing season.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterMediumCalculate watering amount
Height30–90 cm
Spread35 cm
Spacing40 cm
Row Spacing50 cm
Germination7–21 days
To Harvest60–95 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

FennelKohlrabi

Toxicity

SeverityMildly toxic
Toxic toDogs, Cats

Capsaicin is not truly toxic but acts as a strong irritant to mucous membranes in mammals, causing oral burning, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases respiratory distress in pets.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight; sheltered from strong winds.
SoilFertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure; slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.8).
Sowing Depth0.5 cm
Planting Depth5 cm
WateringKeep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels dry, aiming for 2.5-5 cm per week.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingUse a balanced 5-10-10 fertilizer worked into soil at transplanting; switch to a potassium-rich feed once flowering begins.

Care Tip: Pinch early flowers to encourage bushier growth and stake taller varieties to prevent branches from snapping under fruit weight.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms: Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on undersides of leaves and new growth; sticky honeydew residue and curling or yellowing leaves.

Treatment: Dislodge with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5-7 days for persistent infestations.

Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization which promotes tender new growth.

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Fine webbing on leaf undersides, yellow stippling, leaf bronzing, curling, and premature leaf drop.

Treatment: Spray affected foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity around plants by misting regularly.

Prevention: Keep plants well-watered as mites thrive in hot, dry conditions; remove heavily infested leaves promptly.

Whiteflies

Symptoms: Tiny white flying insects under leaves; sticky honeydew residue, sooty mold, upward leaf curling, and stunted growth.

Treatment: Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides of leaves.

Prevention: Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings; use reflective mulch around plants to deter settling.

Common Diseases

Bacterial Wilt

Symptoms: Rapid wilting of entire plant while leaves remain green; cutting the stem reveals brown, slimy bacterial ooze.

Treatment: No cure once established; immediately remove and destroy affected plants along with surrounding soil to prevent spread.

Prevention: Practice crop rotation, avoid overhead watering, and ensure well-drained soil; disinfect tools between plants.

Anthracnose

Symptoms: Circular sunken lesions with dark centers on fruits; irregular brown spots with dark halos on leaves and stems.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infected fruits and foliage; apply copper-based fungicide or neem oil at early signs of infection.

Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, ensure good air circulation, and use disease-free seed; practice crop rotation with non-solanaceous crops.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems; affected leaves curl, yellow, and drop; fruits may become smaller and malformed.

Treatment: Apply neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide; remove and destroy heavily infected leaves to reduce spore spread.

Prevention: Space plants adequately for good airflow, avoid overhead irrigation, and water in the morning so foliage dries quickly.