Capsicum annuum var. annuum (Longum Group) 'Red Missile'
sweet pepper 'Red Missile'
A bushy, compact chilli pepper variety producing clusters of erect, conical fruits that sit atop the dark green foliage, maturing from cream to orange then red. Ideal for growing on a sunny windowsill. Peppers are hot and can be harvested between July and October
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Cream Orange Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | Cream Orange Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Irritant if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- 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
Sow indoors from late Winter to mid-Spring in a small pot filled with good quality seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. When seedlings are 2.5cm tall transplant to individual pots, water and keep in a sunny spot. See how to grow: chilli peppers for further advice
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
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.