Chili pepper Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum). Native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, the peppers comes in a variety of size, shape and colors. The plants are about 2 feet tall with fairly small pointed leaves about 1-2 inches long. The peppers are used fresh or dried and vary in hotness or spiciness.

Soil Management
Prefers fertile, loamy, well drained soil.

Planting
Usually started from seed then transplanted. Plant in full sun, spaced 18 inches apart.

Irrigation
Plants need a lot of water in the early growth stages.

Insect & Disease Control
Whiteflies, pepper weevils, mites, and bacterial leaf spot.

Harvesting
When peppers are mature green to bright colored, clip the fruiting stem ½ inch behind the pepper.