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Fruit EdibleAnnual Biennial

Capsicum annuum var. annuum Grossum Group

green pepper

A cultivated group selected for large fruit with sweet flavour. Sweet pepper plants are typically growing 40-70cm tall and produce fruit with sweet flesh that ripens from green to red, orange or yellow depending on the cultivar. They are tender annuals, grown best under protection.

Other common names
bell pepper
pimento
see moresweet pepper
Synonyms
Capsicum annuum var. grossum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green Green Yellow Red Orange
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Capsicum are annual or perennial plants, with simple, alternate leaves, and tubular or bell-shaped flowers. They are grown for their glossy, many-seeded edible fruits, including chilli and bell peppers, and as indoor ornamental plants

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown inside on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse, but can be grown outside once all danger of frost has passed; select a sunny, sheltered position and grow in containers, peat-free growing bags or in open ground. Water regularly and feed with a high potassium liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set. See How to grow: peppers for further cultivation details

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Edible fruit
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required; pinch out growing tips of plants when they are about 20cm tall to encourage bushiness

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, whitefly, aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

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