Capsicum annuum aka Peppers

Taxonomy

Capsicum annuum, also known as the bell pepper plant or sweet and chili pepper plant, is a species native to southern North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is the most common and extensively cultivated of the five domesticated capsicums. This species encompasses a wide variety of pepper shapes and sizes, including sweet bell peppers and chili pepper varieties like jalapeños, New Mexico chile, and cayenne peppers. Descended from the wild American bird pepper, cultivars of Capsicum annuum can still be found in warmer regions of the Americas. The plant itself is characterized by its medium to large ivy-colored bell peppers that ripen to a vibrant scarlet red. It features a thickset body with dense foliage, providing protection against sunscald. Moreover, it exhibits a strong resistance to tobacco mosaic virus. Capsicum annuum is not only visually appealing but also boasts a delicious flavor. It is relatively easy to maintain, making it a joy for gardeners to cultivate. Belonging to the Solanaceae family, this pepper plant is identifiable by its long peppers, which can range in color from red to green. Its thin, woody trunk and dark green, almost leather-like leaves further distinguish it. Originally native to South, Central, and North America, Capsicum annuum has gained popularity as one of the most sought-after pepper plants worldwide.

Common names

Peppers, Chili, Bell Pepper

How to care for Peppers

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Peppers, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Peppers should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Peppers loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Peppers requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Chili is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Peppers plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Peppers does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Region of origin

Peppers’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia