Tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Average water needs, watering when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.

Fertilization

Use a low nitrogen fertilizer for your tabasco pepper plant. A formula for vegetables will suit - look for tomatoes or capsicums (peppers) on the 'suitable plant' list on the package. Apply as per the instructions. A dose of organic liquid seaweed or fish emulsion once or twice every two weeks will not go astray.

Pruning

Deadhead (or remove) withered flowers after flowering.

Soil

Sand, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Tabasco pepper

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 11

Planting Time

Spring

Download and print this plant care card and attach it to your plants

Download

Questions About Tabasco pepper

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Tabasco pepper?

Not only does the Tabasco pepper have certain preferences regarding how much water it receives, but it also cares deeply about how you provide that water. In fact, if you don't use the proper watering technique, you risk harming your tomatoes. The best way to water Tabasco pepper is to apply the water directly to the soil in a slow and gentle manner. You should not pour all of the water into the soil at once, and you should not do overhead watering for your Tabasco pepper. Although you should water slowly, you should also water deeply to ensure that all of the soil in which your Tabasco pepper grows is sufficiently moist.

What should I do if I water my Tabasco pepper too much or too little?

If you find that you have overwatered your Tabasco pepper and you are concerned about the associated risk of disease, you should intervene immediately. Often the best approach for an overwatered Tabasco pepper is to uproot it from its current growing location. Once the plant is out of the ground, you can allow its roots to dry a bit before planting it in a new growing location. Ensure that the new growing location has soil with good drainage. If you grow in pots, you may also want to move your plant to a pot with more or larger drainage holes. In the case of underwatering, all you will need to do is increase the frequency with which you supply water to your plant.

How often should I water my Tabasco pepper?

Overall, Tabasco pepper requires a significant amount of water throughout the growing season. To meet that high water need, you'll need to water early and often throughout the spring and summer. During the earlier parts of the growing season, you should water your Tabasco pepper about once or twice per week. As the season progresses, you should increase your watering frequency. You may need to water it twice per day or more during summer, depending on the weather. After your Tabasco pepper have gone through their major seasonal growth phases, you can reduce the frequency of your watering to about once per week until the end of the growing season.

How much water does my Tabasco pepper need?

Since Tabasco pepper are incredibly popular, with many professional and amateur gardeners growing them successfully, we have a pretty clear idea of how to care for these plants. That understanding includes specific knowledge about the precise volume of water an average Tabasco pepper should receive. Generally, Tabasco pepper will require about 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week. That volume should be dispersed evenly through your weekly watering. As the weather gets warmer, you may need to supply more water, but in most cases, two inches per week is a good baseline amount.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Tabasco pepper enough?

Underwatering and overwatering can both occur as problems for your Tabasco pepper, and both these problems can manifest with similar symptoms. For example, foliage discoloration and wilting can both result from either overwatering or underwatering. When your Tabasco pepper is underwatered, its leaves will be curling and drooping at the beginning. You will see a bunch of leaves turn less vigorous. Underwatering is also likely to cause stunted growth and poor overall development as both the flowers and this plant require a high amount of water. Overwatering is more likely to lead to disease, including rot. Overwatering may also lead to unpleasant smells rising from your plant's soil. The symptoms of underwatering will show up quicker than overwatering. Overwatering can also be evident in soil conditions. Mainly, if you notice a lot of standing water or waterlogged soils, overwatering is likely to occur.

How should I water my Tabasco pepper through the seasons?

As alluded to above, your Tabasco pepper's water needs will repeatedly change throughout the seasons. During most of spring and summer, you should water your Tabasco pepper about once every week. As the heat of summer arrives, you should plan to increase your watering frequency to once or twice per day. In the late summer and fall, towards the end of the harvest period, you can reduce your watering frequency to about once per week. After harvest has ended, you can cease watering as your Tabasco pepper has reached the end of its life cycle and will require no further soil moisture.

The maintenance schedule of Tabasco pepper will require you to alter the amount of water you provide depending on the plant's current growth stage. Early on, especially if you grow your Tabasco pepper from seeds, you'll need to provide water often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture, which encourages root development. When the plant becomes old enough to produce flowers, it will likely need even more water. During the fruit development growth stage, your Tabasco pepper will likely need the most water out of any growth period, at times requiring water more than twice per day. Following that phase, the water needs of Tabasco pepper will decline significantly.

What's the difference between watering Tabasco pepper indoors and outdoors?

Whether you grow Tabasco pepper indoors or outdoors can also play a role in how you water them. Tabasco pepper that grows outdoors may receive water from natural rainfall, which will reduce the amount of supplemental water you should supply. However, it is incredibly rare for rainfall to adequately replace your watering entirely. Plants that grow indoors, along with any Tabasco pepper that grows in a container, will need to be watered more frequently than those that grow in the ground outdoors. If you choose this route, please make sure that the plant gets enough water by checking the soil moisture within your pot often to keep your Tabasco pepper healthy.

Is pruning necessary for my Tabasco pepper?

Tabasco pepper can often survive just fine with minimal pruning that removes dead, damaged, and diseased branches and stems. However, there are other, more involved forms of pruning that will allow your Tabasco pepper to not only survive but thrive and be as productive as possible. This style of pruning, involves pruning both before and after this plant's bloom period and will help your Tabasco pepper start the fruit development process, and also helps those fruits mature more efficiently once they appear on the plant. During the early parts of the season, you should perform structural pruning to help your Tabasco pepper develop with a strong structure that is well-capable of supporting fruits. After the bloom period, when the fruits begin to set, you should remove all but the fruit-bearing stems of this plat. Following this pruning method is what you should do if you want to receive the best pepper harvest from your Tabasco pepper.

When is the best time to prune my Tabasco pepper?

There are two times of year when you should prune your Tabasco pepper, to encourage better health and fruit production. The first pruning period occurs just after the bloom time. At this time, you should use our pruning cuts to remove smaller stems that do not contribute to the plant’s main structure or compete too closely with other stronger stems. Your Tabasco pepper should also be at least a foot tall before you perform this pruning. The second pruning time comes later in the season after the fruits have appeared on the plant but before they are fully mature. For this second pruning, you should focus on removing any non-fruit-bearing stem, to focus all growing energy on stems that do hold fruits.

How can I prune my Tabasco pepper?

Tabasco pepper tends to be relatively delicate plants compared to other fruit-bearing species. As such, you should use caution when you prune, lest you cause unintended damage to otherwise healthy stems. The best tool to use to prune your Tabasco pepper is a pair of clean and sharp hand-held pruning shears. Whether you are performing early-season, or late season pruning, you should follow each stem you intend to remove back to where it meets a larger stem or the main stem. Make your pruning cut as close to the larger stem as you can, to remove the smaller stem entirely and prevent it from regrowing. During the early part of the season, you should use your pruning cuts to create the strongest form for your Tabasco pepper. Removing stems that do not contribute to the plant's main structure, or any leaves that appear wilted, will make your Tabasco pepper better-suited to supporting heavy fruits later in the season. The second form of pruning should occur after the bloom period when the fruit development process is just beginning. At this time, you should cut off any flowers or excess leaves as well as any stems that do not hold fruits. This type of pruning gives your Tabasco pepper the chance to focus all of its energy towards fruit development.

What should I do after pruning my Tabasco pepper?

After you perform the frist main pruning of the season, in which you should remove most or all of the nonessential stems, you should water and fertilize your plant to help it recover from your pruning cuts and put forth new growth more quickly. Following the second main pruning of the season, you should allow the fruits on your Tabasco pepper to fully mature. Fertilization can also be helpful following this pruning, as many of the leaves you remove will hold stored growth energy. A feeding of fertilizer can more than make up for removing that energy store, and will help yoru plant direct energy towards fruit development rather than sustaining leaves. Once the peppers are fully mature, you can harvest them and use them as you please in your kitchen. After harvest, your Tabasco pepper will have reached the end of its life cycle. With that being the case, you are not free to cut down your Tabasco pepper at its base. This will remove the entirety of your Tabasco pepper’s above ground structure, which will wither and die as the cold weather approaches. Clearing out your Tabasco pepper also cleans your garden bed and gives you the opportunity to plant something else in its place.

How can I prune my Tabasco pepper during different seasons?

You should plant your Tabasco pepper seeds during the late winter. During this season, and most of the early spring, your plant will be in a seedling stage and won’t need much, if any pruning. During spring, before the blooms have arrived, you can perform your first main pruning that should emphasize a stong form and remove any unnecessary stems from your Tabasco pepper. After that, you won’t need to do much pruning throughout the rest of spring, except to remove damaged stems and leaves. Your second main pruning will take place after the bloom period while the plant is developing its fruits. Tabasco pepper take about 60 to 120 days to grow from seed to a harvest-able form regularly, rather than offer fruits in the same month every year, meaning that you'll need to observe your plant's growth phase to determine when to perform the second pruning of the year.

How can I prune my Tabasco pepper through different growth stages?

While Tabasco pepper is a perennial species, when they live in their native growing range, but many gardeners will need to grow these plants as annuals, if their regional climate includes cold winter temperatures, which Tabasco pepper cannot survive. That means that your Tabasco pepper will likely complete its life cycle in a single growing season. During the spring, at the beginning of this life cycle, you should focus on creating the ideal fruit-bearing form with your pruning efforts. Once your plant matures and reaches a fruit-bearing stage, your sole goal is to support those fruits by encouraging the plant to devote the majority of its growing energy towards stems that hold fruits. At this point, all non-fruit-bearing stems are of little value. Following the harvest, your Tabasco pepper will finish its life cycle and require no further pruning.

Are there any other tips and tricks for pruning my Tabasco pepper?

Pruning Tabasco pepper is a relatively straightforward task, but there are a few tips that will help you meet success. First, you should always use sears that are sharp and sterile, which helps you make clean cuts and reduce the spread of disease. During your pruning that takes place after the bloom period, you may need to remove flowers and fruits that are small or stunted compared to others on the plant, as this will direct energy towards the most viable and worthwhile peppers that grow on your plant. You should also pay attention to how you remove the peppers during harvest time. Often, it is best to use your pruning shears again for this job and make a clean cut right where the stem of the fruit meets the rest of the plant.

How much sunlight does Tabasco pepper need to grow?

Exact needs vary, but a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day is a good rule of thumb for Tabasco pepper to grow and produce fruit.

What type of sunlight does Tabasco pepper need?

Tabasco pepper requires full sun, meaning that it should be grown in a location that gets direct sunlight that isn’t blocked by obstacles such as trees, fences, or buildings. In general, the faster the plant grows, the more hours of sunlight it will need. Morning sun is best for photosynthesis.

Should I protect Tabasco pepper from sun exposure?

Tabasco pepper should not need to be protected from the sun in most climates. Those who live in a desert or near the equator may find that the sun is too harsh for the types of plants they want to grow, but this is the exception.

What will happen if Tabasco pepper doesn't get enough sunlight?

All plants need sunlight to convert into energy. Plants that have a short growing season need even more light and energy than those that grow slowly, as they need to complete all their processes to grow and produce fruit within just a few months.

The first symptoms of insufficient sunlight in Tabasco pepper are pale and yellow leaves that are not able to generate enough chlorophyll to keep their healthy green color. The leaves may eventually fall off, and new growth is small and weak. The plant may become leggy and sparse as it stretches toward the available light.

Finally, without enough light the plant will not be able to produce large, high-quality edible leaves or fruit. Tabasco pepper needs to devote a lot of energy into growing leaves and fruits, so if there isn’t enough light available for it to convert, the harvest will suffer.

What will happen if Tabasco pepper gets too much sunlight?

Tabasco pepper can get sunburned from intense sunlight, especially when coupled with high temperatures and not having enough water. Afternoon sun tends to be most likely to burn plants. Scalded leaves develop faded patches of light brown to white on the areas at the top of the plant that are exposed to the most sun. They are especially vulnerable to this right after being transplanted from a shadier location to being in full sun. Transitioning plants gradually or providing them with a barrier while they are adjusting can help prevent sunscald in young plants.

In many cases, Tabasco pepper develops leaves that are large enough to protect fruits from the strongest rays of the sun. However, if intense sunlight is in contact with fruits, they can also be damaged. Avoid over-pruning those protective leaves so that the fruits don’t get burned.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Tabasco pepper?

Tabasco pepper may become unbalanced if it gets significantly more light on one side than the other. Ideally, you can plant your Tabasco pepper in a location away from obstacles that might block light, and where the distribution of sunlight is even on all sides.

Be careful about planting tall species next to those that grow closer to the ground. It may not be obvious when the crops are first planted, but over time the taller plants may begin to block the amount of sunlight that can reach the shorter plants.

Morning sun helps to dry dew and precipitation, which helps prevent infection from diseases that can develop when water sits on the plant. If you are watering or irrigating your Tabasco pepper, this should be done in the morning.

What is the optimal temperature for Tabasco pepper?

There is an ideal temperature range that makes Tabasco pepper feel at home. Under these temperature conditions, it's unlikely that you’ll have any issues with cold or hot damage to the foliage, but changing leaf colors can absolutely be a sign that Tabasco pepper isn’t happy. Try to keep your Tabasco pepper well within its preferred range of 70-85℉(21-30℃), but don’t panic if the temperature creeps up past 85℉(30℃) during the day or down to 70℉(21℃) at night.

How can I protect Tabasco pepper from extreme temperatures outdoors?

If your Tabasco pepper happens to be planted outside, then there’s not much you can do to try to move it indoors. However, you can certainly provide cover in ways that will help it survive any extreme temperatures that may arise unexpectedly. For instance, you can always use a few stakes and some cloth to put together a shade tent that will block out much of the sun’s intense heat from direct sunlight exposure.

Similarly, Tabasco pepper can be protected from the extreme cold and especially chilly winds by building a small greenhouse around the plant, which will create a greenhouse effect and warm the plant up. This can be done using garden stakes and any sort of clear or translucent plastic you may have around; if you have greenhouse plastic such as polycarbonate laying around, this works perfectly. Remove the greenhouse once temperatures warm up to 40℉(10℃) at night.

Does Tabasco pepper need different temperatures in different seasons?

Generally speaking, Tabasco pepper needs to stay within its preferred temperature range all year long. However, that doesn’t mean that care should stay the same all year long. During the warmest months of the year, Tabasco pepper will need a little extra shade and a bit more of a breeze to help it cope with the hottest days. On the other hand, it may need to be moved away from chilly windows and doors during the cooler months in climates where temperatures drop below 40℉(10℃) at any point in the year.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Tabasco pepper?

Keeping your Tabasco pepper at the right temperature can be fairly simple. Depending on where you grow it, Tabasco pepper can be fairly easy to accommodate. For indoor growing, you can easily move the plant to different locations within your indoor space that best meet its temperature requirements. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents, heaters, doors that open frequently, or drafty windows.

It is a little more difficult to control the temperature around your Tabasco pepper if it’s grown outside. Of course, if it’s planted in a pot, you can simply bring it indoors when the temperatures outside get too hot or too cold for Tabasco pepper, but otherwise, you may need to take different measures to protect it from extreme heat or cold that may damage it irreversibly. Try placing Tabasco pepper under cover to protect from both the harsh sun that can overheat it and any cold wind that could be potentially deadly for your plant.

Why do I need to fertilize my Tabasco pepper?

You may or may not need to fertilize your Tabasco pepper, depending on the soil conditions in your garden. If you are able to get a good harvest from your Tabasco pepper crop, that is a good indication that fertilizer isn't necessary. However, the best way to determine whether or not you need to fertilize is by having the soil tested. You can test soil yourself using a kit, or you can send the soil out to a lab to be analyzed. Once you have an understanding of the nutrient levels in your soil, it will be easier to determine whether or not additional fertilizer is required.

When is the best time to fertilize my Tabasco pepper?

Mix a layer of organic fertilizer into the soil at least a week prior to planting, and use another dressing on top of the soil during the spring to provide an extra boost to young plants. In most cases, just one to two applications of fertilizer during a growing season should be sufficient for a good harvest of Tabasco pepper.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Tabasco pepper?

Fertilizing a Tabasco pepper after the majority of the vegetables have been harvested will be a waste of your fertilizer and your energy, since this crop needs to be replanted every year. Also avoid fertilizing Tabasco pepper if you are already gardening in a location that has nutrient-rich soil. Since Tabasco pepper does not require a lot of fertilizer to grow well and yield plenty of vegetables with good size and flavor, there is no need to fertilize in many cases. Only fertilize your Tabasco pepper if your soil test indicates that one or more nutrients is lacking in your garden soil.

What type of fertilizer does my Tabasco pepper need?

The best option for Tabasco pepper is a natural organic fertilizer, but slow-release granular fertilizers also work well. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is best, since too much nitrogen can cause excessive foliage production that takes away from the plant's ability to produce strong root vegetables. Use a formula with lower nitrogen such as 5-10-10 to make sure that the plant develops a good harvest.

Organic mulch is also recommended for growing healthy Tabasco pepper. A layer of mulch made from leaves, straw, grass clippings, or other organic matter helps phosphorus to prevent weeds, keep the soil moist, regulate soil temperature, and release a slow but steady supply of nutrients into the soil as the mulch breaks down.

How do I fertilize my Tabasco pepper?

Spread organic fertilizer such as manure or compost in a thick layer across the bed prior to planting, then mix or till the amendment into the soil. Additional organic fertilizer can be added on top of the soil after planting, in a layer about two to four inches thick. After adding any type of fertilizer, be sure to water thoroughly. When using chemical fertilizers, be sure to follow all manufacturer's directions to achieve the best results and avoid adding too much fertilizer to the garden. All types of fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plant but not in contact with the plant itself, since contact with fertilizer can burn the plant's tissues.

What happens if I fertilize my Tabasco pepper too much?

The most typical scenario that occurs when Tabasco pepper is overfertilized is that the plant receives too much nitrogen, which is out of balance with other nutrients. Tabasco pepper is grown for its roots and not for its leaves, but nitrogen mainly supports the healthy development of foliage. For that reason, giving a Tabasco pepper plant too much nitrogen can cause it to develop a lot of foliage at the expense of the tubers that gardeners want. Phosporus is the nutrient that helps to promote root development, so it is important that Tabasco pepper be given plenty of phosphorus in addition to other required nutrients in order to yield plenty of vegetables.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

More About How-Tos

Explore 5 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.

Feng shui direction

South

In Feng Shui philosophy, the fiery energy of the tabasco pepper resonates harmoniously with the elemental essence of the Southern direction, typically associated with recognition and fame. The tabasco pepper's vibrant red color and spiciness can likely stimulate positive chi energy flow when placed in such areas. This idea, however, remains open to personal interpretation and experiential variations.

Water

Every week

Lighting

Full sun

Tabasco pepper craves plenty of solar exposure for optimal growth, with a mild tolerance for less illuminated environments. Its original habitat features extensive sun exposure, making plentiful sunlight a key contributor to its healthy development. Excessive or deficient sunlight exposure may hinder its growth.

Temperature

0 43 ℃

Tabasco pepper hails from a climate where temperatures range from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It thrives best in warmth and can adjust to seasonal temperature changes, provided the mercury doesn't drop below its comfort zone.

Transplant

2-3 feet

The ideal season for transplanting tabasco pepper is S1-S2, as it promotes stronger growth. Choose a sunny location protected from high winds for the plant. Refrain from over-watering post-transplant, as this can lead to root rot. Keep faith, and your tabasco pepper will flourish marvelously.

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Tabasco pepper based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Solutions: Follow these steps to revive plants with abnormal leaves. Remove damaged leaves: Plants can recover from damage when given the time to do so. Remove any deformed leaves so they don't continue drawing energy from the plant. This also creates room for healthier ones to grow. Stop using herbicide: Though herbicide damage is challenging to diagnose, gardeners can potentially prevent deformed leaves by not using any and by strictly following manufacturers instructions. Spray insecticide: Prevent pests from inhabiting plant leaves by spraying with insecticide regularly and practicing good natural pest prevention techniques. Apply a balanced fertilizer: Solve nutrient deficiencies and excesses by using a well-balanced fertilizer (organic or conventional both work) before planting, and consider topdressing when signs of stress are apparent. Fix watering schedule: If plant leaves are curled downward due to too much or too little water, adjust the watering schedule so the soil is moist, but not damp. Remove infected plants: If the plant has succumbed to a viral infection, not much can be done to revive it. Remove and destroy all compromised plant material to prevent spread to other plants.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Solutions: Even though caterpillars are diverse, they all chew on plant parts and can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. For severe cases: Apply insecticide. For an organic solution, spray plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which specifically affects the larval stage of moths and butterflies. Be sure to coat plants, since caterpillars need to ingest Bt for it to be effective. This will not harm other insects. Spray a chili extract. Chili seeds can be cooked in water to make a spicy spray that caterpillars don't like. Spray this mixture on the plants, but be aware it will also be spicy to humans. Introduce beneficial insects. Release beneficial insects to the garden that eat caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps. For less severe cases: Hand pick. Using gloves, pick off caterpillars on plants and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Dust plants with diatomaceous earth. This powder is harmless to humans but irritates caterpillars. Therefore, it will make it difficult for caterpillars to move and eat.

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Nutrient deficiencies

A lack of nutrients will cause a widespread yellowing of the leaves. The yellowing may begin at the base or top of the plant.

Solutions: There are several easy ways to remedy the nutrient deficiencies in soils. Use a water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilizers will include most or all of the macro and micro-nutrients the plants need to thrive. Adding some fertilizer to the soil will make those nutrients available and can combat deficiencies. Regularly apply organic fertilizer pellets. Organic fertilizers such as animal manures and bonemeal can supply plants with all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Apply compost. Though not as finely tuned as artificial fertilizer, compost can nevertheless be rich in important nutrients and should be applied to the soil regularly. Apply nutrients via foliar application. In addition to supplementing the soil with nutrients, foliar fertilizer can be applied directly to the plant's leaves. Nutrients offered via foliar application are often taken up even quicker than those put in the soil, so the foliar application can be great for swiftly addressing specific deficiencies.

Fruit rot

Soft rot in the fruit can have a variety of causes.

Solutions: Prune out and destroy infected spurs and branches. Correct spacing between plants to reduce wind-born infection. Chemical fungicides may become necessary. Bird deterrents and biological or chemical treatments for insects will reduce fruit damage, making it harder for fungal infections to take hold.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Distribution Map

Habitat

Valley

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Green

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Nightshade

Genus

Capsicum

Species

Tabasco pepper

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Related Plants

Money tree

Money tree (Pachira glabra) can regularly be found in stores sold in small pots as braided Bonsai plants. Their showy trunk will stay hued with green throughout maturity. The wood is sometimes used for objects of light use, such as toys and boxes. It's often mistaken with the Malabar chestnut (Pachira aquatica), which doesn't develop a mature bulbous base like the money tree.

Although the yellow trumpetbush have beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

Winter

Yellow trumpetbush

Yellow trumpetbush is usually grown in gardens as shrubbery, but some can grow into big trees. The plant blooms with lovely flowers from spring through fall, and it can also be pruned to form floral walls. It's not difficult to grow in warm, moist climates with ample sunlight and requires only simple daily care. As the plant can grow exuberantly and the seeds easily propagate, it's categorized as an invasive species in Southern Africa. Remember to control its expansion when you plant it.

Summer

Garden Usage

Oregon crabapple

The oregon crabapple’s small, yellowish to red fruits are elongated instead of round, making them easy to distinguish from other crabapples. It is a food source for Native American tribes; it can be used for jellying and its high acidity makes preservation easy. While the fruits are edible, other parts like the leaves and seeds may contain a toxin that can be fatal.

Plants of the Malus genus are often cultivated in courtyards, though some dwarfing varieties can be planted in pots. They are easy to care for and have clear, beautiful flowers in pink or white, and elegant leaves. They often produce delicious fruits in fall.

Spring

Garden Usage

Leather-leaf fern

Leather-leaf fern (Pyrrosia eleagnifolia) is a creeping vine that grows easily. It can be cultivated in containers or in rock gardens. It also makes an attractive addition when grown on trees in parks, roadsides, and urban environments. It is commonly called leather-leaf because of the leather-like texture of its leaves.

Ladybells

Ladybells (Adenophora stricta) is a splendid ornamental plant that is grown for its beautiful blue-violet bell-shaped flowers. It is this characteristic that gives the species its common name, Ladybells. This plant's slender shape makes it well suited to growing in borders. It thrives in full sun or part shade but needs damp, well-drained soil.

The monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a coniferous, evergreen cypress tree native to coastal California in the United States. It is a popular tree for cultivation and landscaping and occasionally for furniture construction. The foliage of the monterey cypress is toxic to livestock.

Early autumn

Monterey cypress

Plant Collection Most Common Shrub Laurustinus See More Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and it often adorns winter gardens. When little else is growing during cold days of winter, Laurustinus produces numerous clusters of tiny white flowers. Add to My GardenContinue reading “Most Common Shrub”

Useful Tips

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Average water needs, watering when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Most Common Shrub

Plant Collection Most Common Shrub China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it is easy toContinue reading “Most Common Shrub”

View More Articles

Add to My Garden

Tabasco pepper

Capsicum frutescens

Also known as: Tabasco, Xiaomila pepper, Kambuzi, Hot pepper, Chilli pepper

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Full sun

Care Guide for Tabasco pepper

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Deadhead (or remove) withered flowers after flowering.

Soil

Sand, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Questions About Tabasco pepper

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Tabasco pepper?

What should I do if I water my Tabasco pepper too much or too little?

How often should I water my Tabasco pepper?

How much water does my Tabasco pepper need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Tabasco pepper enough?

How should I water my Tabasco pepper through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering Tabasco pepper indoors and outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Tabasco pepper?

When is the best time to prune my Tabasco pepper?

How can I prune my Tabasco pepper?

What should I do after pruning my Tabasco pepper?

How can I prune my Tabasco pepper during different seasons?

How can I prune my Tabasco pepper through different growth stages?

Are there any other tips and tricks for pruning my Tabasco pepper?

How much sunlight does Tabasco pepper need to grow?

What type of sunlight does Tabasco pepper need?

Should I protect Tabasco pepper from sun exposure?

What will happen if Tabasco pepper doesn't get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Tabasco pepper gets too much sunlight?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Tabasco pepper?

What is the optimal temperature for Tabasco pepper?

How can I protect Tabasco pepper from extreme temperatures outdoors?

Does Tabasco pepper need different temperatures in different seasons?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Tabasco pepper?

Why do I need to fertilize my Tabasco pepper?

When is the best time to fertilize my Tabasco pepper?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Tabasco pepper?

What type of fertilizer does my Tabasco pepper need?

How do I fertilize my Tabasco pepper?

What happens if I fertilize my Tabasco pepper too much?

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App

More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Tabasco pepper based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Learn More

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Learn More

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Learn More

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Learn More

Nutrient deficiencies

A lack of nutrients will cause a widespread yellowing of the leaves. The yellowing may begin at the base or top of the plant.

Learn More

Fruit rot

Soft rot in the fruit can have a variety of causes.

Learn More

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App

Distribution Map

Habitat

Valley

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Green

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Family

Nightshade

Genus

Capsicum

Species

Tabasco pepper

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Related Plants

Pyrrosia eleagnifolia

# Useful Tips