While ornamental plants may have colorful foliage or flowers, some may be useful – perhaps even outstanding – with colorful fruit to delight the eye. One such group of plants that is especially pertinent at this time of year are called ornamental peppers. These “edible ornamentals” can brighten any landscape bed.
The ornamental peppers mentioned in this article are all cultivars of Capsicum annuum. Treated as annuals, ornamental pepper plants are between ten and eighteen inches in height and width with smallish leaves, and inconspicuous flowers. The fruit is the showstopper with a variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, red, and purple. Fruits change in color as they ripen so you can have several colors on the plant all at the same time. Some varieties even have variegated leaves adding to the appeal of this bedding plant.
The colorful fruit is generally three to six inches in length with shapes ranging from round to an elongated horn shape. While ornamental peppers can be considered “edible ornamentals”, most of the tiny peppers can be on the hot side, so tread carefully. One noted exception is ‘Chilly Chili’ which has a mild taste. In addition to the benefits of color, ornamental peppers are very heat-tolerant and are ideal as a bedding plant for mass planting as a groundcover, in borders or in containers. Plant ornamental peppers in full sun to partial shade in compost-enriched soil twelve to eighteen inches apart.
Transplants are available now at most garden centers. Cultivar selection is up to your taste, but locally I found ‘Chilly Chili’ and ‘Sedona Sun’. For future planting, seeds are available through many gardening catalogues where you can peruse the numerous interesting varieties.
Ornamental peppers are easy to grow, and the unique look will impress both the passersby and you. Expand your plant palette with ornamental peppers this season! For more information on colorful bedding plants suitable for our area, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension – Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Gilman, E. F., Howe, T., Klein, R. W. & Hansen, G. (2023) CAPSICUM ANNUUM ORNAMENTAL PEPPER. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions (2024) Ornamental Peppers. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Klingaman, G.(2001) Plant of the Week: Pepper, Ornamental. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Smith, E. M. L. (2023) Ornamental peppers can add winter spice. Mississippi State University Extension.
Ornamental Pepper ‘Chilly Chili’ F1 (2023) All-America Selections.
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