Download ornamental pepper

blooming plant of the month
ornamental pepper
green, purple, “black,” bronze and creamy
white. Often the fruit first appears as
green or creamy white, then turns yellow,
orange, red or purple as it matures. The
blooms that precede the fruit are tiny, star
shaped and white.
DECORATIVE LIFE
These plants are sold as both bedding
plants (annuals) and houseplants. Indoors, the potted versions typically last
from one to three months, depending on
environment and care.
Capsicum annuum ‘Samba’
Ornamental pepper, Cone pepper
Photo: Harster Greenhouses Inc.
BOTANICAL NAME
Capsicum annuum (Conoides Group)
(KAP-si-kum AN-you-um kon-NOY-deez)
COMMON NAMES
Ornamental pepper, Cone pepper
DESCRIPTION
Ornamental peppers are leafy, bushy, intricately branched plants that bear small
conical multicolored fruits that are typically 1⁄2 inch to 3 inches long, depending
on variety. Leaves are dark green, and
stems are thin, rigid and brittle. Plants are
typically compact, but they can reach 16
or so inches in height.
COLORS
Fruit hues include red, orange, yellow,
AVAILABILITY
Supplies vary by grower, but potted ornamental pepper plants are generally available from July through December.
in-store and
consumer care
LIGHT Indoors, these plants require bright
light, including up to four hours per day
of exposure to direct sun.
WATER Ornamental peppers need evenly
moist soil. Water them thoroughly when
the soil surface is dry to the touch, occasionally by immersing the pot(s) in water,
and allow water to drain.
TEMPERATURE Indoors, these plants prefer
cool to moderate temperatures (60 F to 75 F).
HUMIDITY Native to the tropics, ornamental peppers prefer humid environments.
Place pot on a pebble tray or frequently
mist leaves in dry indoor environments.
Super Floral Retailing has created this page
for the education of store-level employees.
To download a reprintable PDF, please go
to www.superfloralretailing.com and select
“Current Issue.”
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY These plants are
moderately sensitive to ethylene gas.
FERTILIZER Ornamental pepper plants are
usually offered by suppliers in a fertilized
state. However, you can feed them weekly, semimonthly or monthly, depending
on need, through December, with a balanced houseplant food or a water-soluble
tomato fertilizer.
GROOMING Cut or pinch off fruit as it
shrivels, and trim branches if leaves die.
REPOTTING / REBLOOMING These plants are
grown from seeds primarily as annuals, so
many consumers discard them after the
fruit shrivels or falls.
challenges
PESTS Ornamental peppers are susceptible
to aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
Consumers can treat infested plants with
insecticidal soap, but because these plants
are short lived by nature, advise them to
consider discarding infested plants.
FUNGI/VIRUSES These plants are slightly
susceptible to viruses and fungal problems
that can cause gray mold and/or black
spots on leaves. Advise customers to dispose of diseased plants.
FRUIT OR LEAF DROP, PREMATURELY SHRIVELED FRUIT Causes include exposure to
high levels of ethylene gas; insufficient
light, humidity and/or fertilizer; or an
indoor environment that is too warm.
purchasing tips
edibility
Although the fruits of these houseplants are, technically, edible, the plants are produced primarily
as decoratives, and the fruits are not intended to be eaten. Because they are grown as ornamentals
rather than vegetable plants, they may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals that are not
suitable for edible plants (check with your supplier). These small peppers are intensely hot due to
a high level of capsaicin, especially the immature white and green ones.
n Buy plants that display a number of
well-formed, plump and firm fruits.
n Make sure plants are not water
stressed (wilty, yellowing and/or falling
leaves, shriveled fruit). Also check for
black spots (fungus, virus) on leaves
and fruit.
n Inspect plants for pests including
aphids, whiteflies and spider mites.
Photo: Harster Greenhouses Inc.
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fun facts
WHAT’S IN A NAME The genus name
“Capsicum” is derived from the Greek “kaptos,”
meaning to bite. The species name “annuum” is
Latin for annual. “Conoides” means conelike.
ALL IN THE FAMILY Capsicum is a member of the
Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Close relatives
include Solanum (potato, eggplant, Jerusalem
cherry), Lycopersicon (tomato), Petunia, Physalis
(Chinese lantern) and Nicotiana (tobacco).
In addition to the Conoides Group of ornamental/cone peppers, Capsicum annuum comprises four other groups of peppers:
• Grossum Group - bell peppers,
sweet peppers, pimento
• Longum Group - cayenne peppers,
chili peppers, banana peppers, paprika
• Cerasiforme Group - cherry peppers
• Fasciculatum Group - red cone peppers,
cluster peppers.
HOME SWEET HOME Capsicum is native to tropical Central and South America.
‘Salsa’ assortment
‘Medusa’
‘Santos Orange’
(Red, Dark Orange, Yellow, Yellow/Red)
Ball Horticultural Company
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
‘Santos Flare’
‘Cupala’
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
‘Padilla Scarlet’
‘Paracho’
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
‘Acapulco Orange’
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
‘Red Missile’
Ball Horticultural Company
‘Acapulco Purple’
‘Sangria’
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
Ball Horticultural Company
www.superfloralretailing.com
‘Joker’
‘Harlequin’
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
Greenex United States / Ex-Plant A/S
‘Masquerade’
Ball Horticultural Company
sfr
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