Capsicum annuum – Sweet and Chili Pepper

Explore Capsicum annuum (Sweet and Chili Pepper) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Capsicum annuum | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Chili Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Bell Pepper, Cayenne Pepper (varieties differ by region and cultivar)

Family: Solanaceae

Appearance: A herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with branching stems, ovate to lanceolate green leaves, and solitary or clustered white star-shaped flowers. Produces hollow, fleshy fruits in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors ranging from green, red, yellow, orange, to purple depending on the cultivar.

Type: Annual or short-lived perennial (in frost-free climates)

Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A

Layer: Herbaceous layer

Root System: Fibrous root system with moderate depth

Height: 0.5–1.5 m depending on cultivar

Width: 0.3–0.8 m

Lifespan: Annual in temperate climates; perennial up to several years in tropical/subtropical regions

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees, flies, and self-pollination (wind or flower vibration also helps)

Toxicity: Non-toxic fruits; leaves and unripe green parts contain solanine-like compounds and should not be eaten in large quantities

Capsicum annuum | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Central and South America, likely Mexico

• Companionship: Grows well with basil, onions, and carrots; avoid planting near fennel

• Invasive Range: Not considered invasive

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 9–11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: Low tolerance

• Drought: Low to moderate tolerance – requires consistent moisture for good yields

• Shade: Low tolerance – prefers full sun

• Flood: Low tolerance – roots sensitive to waterlogging

• Wind: Moderate tolerance; may require staking for support

• Maritime: Low tolerance – dislikes salty conditions

• Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

• Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Moisture: Moderate, evenly moist soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy loam

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Primary method; started indoors in cooler climates and transplanted after frost danger has passed

• Cuttings: Not common

Capsicum annuum | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Fruits widely consumed fresh, dried, or cooked; sweet peppers eaten raw or cooked; chili peppers used for spice and flavoring; rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and capsaicin (in hot varieties)

Medicinal: Capsaicin used for pain relief, circulation stimulation, and in topical creams; peppers valued for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Cosmetics: Capsaicin used in warming creams and some cosmetic applications

Animal Feed: Leaves and fruits generally unsuitable for most livestock; small amounts of non-spicy peppers may be fed to poultry

Fiber: Not used

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: Not suitable

Fence: Not suitable

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and insects

Pest Repellent: Capsaicin deters some mammals and insects; extracts used in natural pest repellents

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators; fruits eaten by birds, which aid in seed dispersal

Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.

Explore our inspiring series and posts:

• Foundation

• Manual 

• Perspective 

• Design 

• Reads

• Plants

• Soil

• Climate

Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: