Ornamental pepper plants are usually either grown indoors in a sunny spot or in outdoor containers while the weather allows, though in more temperate climates they will often be grown in garden beds. Grown due to their unique, miniature nature, but also for their culinary uses, the peppers on these plants are definitely edible and will have differing levels of heat. Ornamental peppers are used whole to add color and spice to home-preserved pickles, green beans, etc. and are sometimes just tossed atop a mixed salad, adding color, but making it easy to pick them out if pepper lovers are not among your guests.
From the same genus as regular garden peppers, Capsicum, ornamental peppers also like to be kept warm and are susceptible to frost. They prefer consistently damp soil; though take care not to overwater. Depending upon your personal tastes, you can pinch new growth to encourage the plant to branch out and become bushier, or you can let it grow naturally, its true nature being somewhat rambling. Some people will also grow ornamental peppers for their flowers, rather than their fruit. If that’s the case, removing the fruit as it starts to develop will encourage your plants to continue flowering.
Read about our Ornamental Pepper plant guarantee on our Satisfaction page.
