Ornamental Peppers: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Care
Planting
When to Plant: Select seedlings with true leaves and plant them outdoors once the soil temperature reaches at least 70°F and the threat of frost has passed.
Selecting a Planting Site: Choose a well-drained location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Ornamental peppers are relatively short, so place them where you can easily enjoy their beauty.
Spacing, Depth, and Support: Space plants 12-24 inches apart in holes that are 3-4 inches deep. Most ornamental pepper varieties do not require staking or caging, but you may provide support if the plant becomes heavy with fruit.
Care
Light: Ornamental peppers thrive in full sun, which provides the energy they need to produce abundant flowers and colorful fruits.
Soil: Plant your peppers in rich, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.8). Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and provide nutrients.
Water: Ornamental peppers prefer moist soil, but they should not be overwatered. Water deeply when the soil surface feels dry, aiming for a moisture level similar to a wrung-out sponge.
Temperature and Humidity: These plants enjoy warm weather and temperatures above 75°F. Humidity is less important, but ensure that roots remain moist.
Fertilizer: Fertilize ornamental peppers regularly with a 5-10-10 fertilizer that contains more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen. This will encourage fruit and bloom production.
Types
Ornamental peppers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, including:
- ‘Chilly Chili’: Long, yellow, and red peppers that extend from the tops of plants like fingers.
- ‘Black Pearl’: Black foliage and clusters of black, pearl-like, shiny peppers. Exceptionally heat-tolerant.
- ‘Prairie Fire’: Compact variety with upright-growing chilies that change colors from yellow to orange, red, and purple.
- ‘Aurora’: Peppers ripen from green to purple to orange and red, providing a rainbow of color on one plant.
Harvesting
Since ornamental peppers are not very palatable, they are best used for cut or dried arrangements. Taller varieties are ideal for cut arrangements, and for dried arrangements, harvest when at least 90% of the peppers on the stem are colored.
Growing in Pots
Ornamental peppers are well-suited for container gardening. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. The root system is small and shallow, so a small container can suffice, but larger containers will allow for multiple plants or mixed plantings.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary but can help maintain a smaller plant size. Pinch off growing tips to create a bushier habit. Trim leggy stems by half an inch to encourage less leggy growth.
Propagating
From Cuttings: To propagate ornamental peppers from cuttings:
- Take a 5-inch stem cutting with at least two leaf nodes.
- Strip the bottom 2-3 inches of leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a small pot with moistened, well-draining potting soil.
- Keep the soil moist and the plant in a warm location.
From Seeds: To propagate ornamental peppers from seeds:
- Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost.
- Use seed-starting mix and cover seeds with 1/4 inch of soil.
- Keep the soil warm (80°F) and water regularly.
- Transplant seedlings to larger containers when they have two sets of true leaves.
- Harden off plants for two weeks before planting outdoors.
Overwintering
In areas with mild winters, ornamental peppers can be overwintered as perennials. Bring potted plants indoors and place them in a sunny location with temperatures between 70-80°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Pests and Diseases
Common insect pests include aphids, spider mites, hornworms, and thrips. Insecticidal soap or citrus oil can control aphids and spider mites. Fungal diseases such as botrytis (gray mold) and pythium root rot can occur during wet conditions. Fungicidal sprays or powders can help control these diseases.
Additional Tips
- For ornamental peppers grown in containers, repot every two years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
- Companion plants for ornamental peppers include zinnias, marigolds, and million bells.
- Houseplant care for ornamental peppers includes keeping them warm, providing adequate light, and watering when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Protect ornamental peppers from frost by covering them or bringing them indoors.
