Pepper (Capsicum)
Capsicum annuum / C. frutescens / C. chinense
About Pepper (Capsicum)
Peppers encompass both sweet peppers (bell peppers) and hot peppers (chili), essential to cuisines worldwide. They are among the most valuable vegetable crops, with hot peppers particularly important in African, Asian, and Latin American cooking. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which provides the heat sensation and has medicinal properties. Ethiopia is the largest hot pepper producer in Africa. Peppers are rich in vitamins C and A — red bell peppers contain more vitamin C than any other common vegetable. The global pepper market exceeds $30 billion. Peppers are grown both in open fields and greenhouses, and are increasingly exported from African and Asian countries to European markets.
Growing Conditions
Full sun — 6-8 hours minimum
450-700 mm per crop. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit set. Water stress causes flower and fruit drop.
Well-drained, fertile loam. pH 6.0-6.8. Rich in organic matter.
Optimal 21-29°C. Fruit set fails below 15°C or above 35°C. Night temperatures of 15-20°C ideal.
Moderate. High humidity promotes bacterial spot and anthracnose.
Warm season — 60-90 days from transplant to first harvest (hot peppers), 70-80 days (sweet peppers).
Step-by-Step Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting
Transplant after last frost when soil temperature exceeds 18°C
Space at 60 × 45 cm for open field, 45 × 30 cm with staking
Stake or cage large-fruited varieties to prevent lodging
Mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and suppress weeds
Harvest hot peppers at desired color stage — green (immature) or red (full ripe)
Disease Risks to Watch
All diseases →La tache bactérienne du poivron est causée par Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Elle provoque des taches aqueuses sur les feuilles et des lésions sur les fruits, réduisant le rendement de 50 %. Guide de traitement et prévention.
L'oïdium apparaît sous forme de taches poudreuses blanches sur les feuilles et les tiges, causé par les champignons Erysiphe ou Podosphaera. Il prospère par temps chaud et sec avec une humidité élevée. Gérez avec des pulvérisations de soufre, du bicarbonate de potassium, de l'huile de neem, un espacement adéquat pour la circulation de l'air et des variétés résistantes. Contrairement à la plupart des maladies fongiques, il N'A PAS besoin de feuilles mouillées pour infecter.
Le virus de l'enroulement foliaire jaune de la tomate (TYLCV) est un bégomovirus transmis par les mouches blanches (Bemisia tabaci). Les plants infectés montrent un enroulement des feuilles vers le haut, un jaunissement des marges foliaires, un rabougrissement et une chute des fleurs. Il n'y a pas de remède — la gestion repose sur les variétés résistantes, le contrôle des mouches blanches avec le neem ou l'imidaclopride, les paillis réfléchissants et les filets anti-insectes.
Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
❌ Avoid Nearby
Growing Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Pepper (Capsicum)?
Warm season — 60-90 days from transplant to first harvest (hot peppers), 70-80 days (sweet peppers).
What soil does Pepper (Capsicum) need?
Well-drained, fertile loam. pH 6.0-6.8. Rich in organic matter.
How much water does Pepper (Capsicum) need?
450-700 mm per crop. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit set. Water stress causes flower and fruit drop.
What are the most common diseases affecting Pepper (Capsicum)?
The most common diseases are: pepper bacterial spot, powdery mildew, tomato leaf curl virus. Monitor regularly and practice crop rotation.
What plants grow well with Pepper (Capsicum)?
Good companions include: basil, carrot, tomato. Avoid planting near fennel.
Related Crops — Solanaceae
Growing Pepper (Capsicum)? Protect It.
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