Capsicum Plant Care Guide

Compact, with dark green leaves, Capsicum, or Sweet Peppers, produce white, star-shaped flowers in summer, followed by their unmistakable glossy fruits. Initially green, the fruits will change colour as they mature. Versatile and decorative these ornamental houseplants are great value for money and are particularly useful in the run up to Halloween and Christmas.

How to Care for Capsicum

Temperature: cool to warm around 10-18°C.

Watering: Water using the immersion method (plunging the plant into a container of water up to the level of the pot) Allow to drain thoroughly afterwards and let the compost dry out slightly in between watering. Overwatering can lead to plant collapse.

Humidity: They don’t need a great deal of humidity, mist leaves weekly, avoid wetting the fruits.

Light: This is not a shade loving plant, they need a bright, sunny position.

Feeding: Every other week once flowers appear. Tomato feed can be used as Capsicums are in the same family, (Solanaceae) so have similar nutritional needs.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Capsicum

Fruit falling too early? If the air is too hot or dry or the light is insufficient, the fruits will fall before they are fully developed.

Leaves dropping? An over-warm room can cause leaf drop.

What’s the difference between a Sweet Pepper and a Chilli?

They are in the same plant family (Capsicum annuum) but Sweet Peppers don’t contain the chemical compound capsaicin, a natural oil that gives chillies their heat.

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  Capsicum fruits strung together, the start of a capsicum garland

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  a capsicum garland dressing a black door

How to make a dried Capsicum garland

• Select fruits that are firm and undamaged and have their green calyx fully attached.

• Thread a long needle with fishing line or twine and push it through the calyx, not the pepper itself, as that will cause it to leak and rot.

• Leave about 2.5cm between each pepper. Tie a knot in the twine to stop them bunching up.

• Hang the garland in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight.

• Drying should take between three to four weeks, they should feel hard, crisp and lightweight.

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  Capsicum used in a window dressing heart design at Chelsea in Bloom

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  A giant chilli pepper made of dried capsicum in a design from Whole Foods at Chelsea in Bloom

Capsicums in Designs

There have been some inventive uses of Capsicums at Chelsea in Bloom in recent years. Jam Industries created a giant fresh chilli heart while Whole Foods Market made an oversized dried chilli pepper out of…dried chilli peppers!

Can you eat the peppers?

Any plant that has been grown for decorative purposes rather than food may have been treated with chemicals, so eating them is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Capsicum plants be grown indoors?

Yes. Capsicums make excellent houseplants and grow best in a bright, sunny position with temperatures between 10-18°C.

How often should I water a Capsicum plant?

Allow the compost to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause plants to decline, so always let excess water drain away thoroughly.

Why are the fruits falling off my Capsicum plant?

Fruit drop is usually caused by insufficient light, very dry air or excessively warm conditions.

What's the difference between a sweet pepper and a chilli?

Both belong to the Capsicum family, but sweet peppers do not contain significant amounts of capsaicin, the compound that gives chillies their heat.

Can I eat ornamental Capsicum peppers?

It is not recommended. Ornamental plants may have been treated with chemicals that are not intended for food crops.

How do I feed a Capsicum plant?

Feed every other week once flowers appear. A tomato fertiliser is suitable because tomatoes and Capsicums belong to the same plant family and have similar nutritional needs.

Can Capsicum fruits be dried?

Yes. The fruits can be air-dried and used to make decorative garlands, wreaths and seasonal displays.

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.