Peppers Capsicum

The genus of peppers, composed of species native across Central and South America, is in the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, which is the same as many other food plants such as tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. Many cultivars of these species are grown as food, spice, and medicine. 

Peppers prefer full sun but grow well in any soil as long as it drains well. Although each species and cultivar differs in size and shape, the most iconic part of these plants is the fruit, most often bright red, hollow, and intensely spicy. This "heat" is due to the presence of capsaicin in the flesh and seeds, a trait that has been altered through breeding for various purposes. Some cultivars are sweet with no spice, and others have world record-breaking quantities of capsaicin within. Peppers tend to be tolerant to both drought and heat and resistant to damage from deer.

Among commonly cultivated species, the plants tend to be small enough to lend themselves toward container gardening. Some cultivars have ornamental value and can be planted as part of a decorative arrangement, but they are most commonly found growing in vegetable gardens.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.