Ornamental peppers blur the boundary between beautiful and edible.
They produce fruits and foliage in a rainbow of colors and elongated or round shapes.
When they get the sunlight and warmth they need, they are fast-growing and low-maintenance.
Aurora Ornamental Pepperhannahgleg/Getty Images
These peppers are perennials in a warm, frost-free climate, but most gardeners grow them as annuals.
They are planted in the spring once the soil has warmed to at least 70 degrees.
Watch where you place the plants because the Capsicum annuum family of peppers is toxic to pets.
Black Pearl Ornamental PepperDiane Labombarbe/Getty Images
Plants are often sold in garden centers before the weather is ready for them to go in the ground.
Soil temperatures should be at least 70F before sowing seeds outdoors or planting nursery transplants.
Gardenersgrowing peppersfrom seeds generally find it advisable to start them indoors.
ensure the soil has good drainage.
Ornamental pepper plants have an upright growth habit.
If you grow these plants indoors, use supplemental artificial lighting for healthy plants and good fruiting.
Generous soil amendments ofcompostand well-rottedmanurewill both improve tilth and add trace nutrients for healthier plants.
If your soil is heavy clay, plant your peppers in raised beds or use containers for good drainage.
If growing ornamental peppers in pots, any all-purpose potting mix will be sufficient.
About 1 inch of water per week is recommended.
Check container-grown plants often for water, as they dry out more quickly than in-ground plants.
Temperatures of 75F and up stimulate rapid growth.
Planting peppers in cold soil may cause them to remain stunted for the entire growing season.
Humidity is a less important growth factor, as long as roots stay moist.
However, temperatures above 90F may cause blossom drop, but the plants will rebound once the temperatures cool.
A5-10-10 fertilizerwith more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen will encourage fruit and bloom production without making plants too leafy.
Side-dress the plants withfertilizerwhen the fruits begin forming, then a second time about six weeks later.
The flowers self-pollinate without requiring pollinating insects.
Here are a few popular types of ornamental peppers.
Ornamental Peppers vs. Ornamental peppers usually have a dwarf growing habit compared to edible garden hot and mild peppers.
Edible garden peppers have many distinct flavor nuances.
Ornamental peppers are either bland or extremely bitter without any smokiness or sweetness.
However, some ornamentalpepper varietiesare used in recipes, such as NuMex Easter in salsa.
Finally, ornamental peppers produce fruits at the tops or tips of the plants where they can be seen.
Edible garden peppers are often hidden in the foliage.
By comparison, a jalapeno pepper might have a Scoville rating of 2,000 to 8,000.
Harvesting Ornamental Peppers
Ornamental peppers are often used for cut or dried arrangements.
Taller varieties with longer stems usually work best.
For dried arrangements, harvest them when almost all of the peppers on the stem are colored.
Growing Ornamental Peppers in Pots
Ornamental peppers of all types are greatvegetable container plants.
The root system of an ornamental pepper is small and shallow.
Pruning
Pruning ornamental peppersis unnecessary but helps them retain a smaller form.
Pinch off the growing tips to create a bushier plant.
When the stems reach about 4 to 6 inches, trim 1/2 an inch to encourage less leggy growth.
However, do not trim flowering stems.
Propagating Ornamental Peppers
Propagating an ornamental pepper plant can be tricky.
Starting from seed is the preferred method of propagation.
Trystem cuttingsif you live in a region with mild winters or want to grow them as houseplants.
Start the seeds indoors a full two months before the last spring frost.
When repotting, choose a pot the next size up of any material and with a large drainage hole.
Water potted plants when the top inch of soil is dry.
Give the plant enough water until moisture starts dripping from the bottom of the container.
Overwintering
Bring your potted ornamental peppersindoors during the winter.
They need a temperature of 70F to 80F during the day and 55F to 65F at night.
Place the plants in the sunniest possible window, or undergrow lightsor fluorescent lights for 14 hours a day.
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Especially look foraphids,spider mites, hornworms, andthrips.
Aphids and spider mites can be eradicated with aninsecticidal soapor citrus oil.
Thrips may require a chemical spray, which is acceptable for non-consumable ornamental peppers.
Both are more likely during wet conditions when airflow is poor and soil is soggy.
In addition to correcting cultural practices, fungicidal sprays or powders can help control problems.
Some ornamental chilies are edible but unlike those grown for culinary purposes, they are often unbearably hot.
Ornamental peppers are mostly bred for their looks, not taste.
If you live in zone 9 or above, ornamental peppers can last more than one season.
Botanically, they are perennials when grown in the right conditions.
If you have cold winters, grow ornamental peppers as an annual or houseplant.
This mix also looks beautiful in a container.
Capsicum annuum (Longum group).
North Carolina Extension Garden Toolbox.
Peppers Ranked by Heat.University of Florida Extension.
