Quick facts
| Arabic name | الفلفل الحار |
|---|---|
| English name | Chili Pepper |
| Scientific name | Capsicum annuum / C. frutescens |
| Family | Nightshade family (Solanaceae) |
| Plant type | Small annual or short-lived perennial shrub |
| Height | 50 cm to 1 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to March, and August to September
Harvest time
May to July, and November to January
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A branching bush with small shiny leaves and white flowers. Fruits are thin and long or small, red or green, and hot.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and home gardens, especially in warm areas.
Soil
Light, well-drained soil. It handles light salt.
Water and irrigation
Moderate regular watering. A little dryness makes fruits hotter.
Climate and light
Likes heat and sun more than sweet pepper.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Adds hot flavor to food
- Rich in vitamin C and capsaicin
- Handles heat
- Can be grown in pots
Drawbacks
- Irritates skin and eyes when touched
- Causes heartburn for some people
- Sap-sucking insects attack it
Important notes
Wash your hands well after picking or cutting chilies, and do not touch your eyes.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Capsicum annuum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Capsicum annuum
- Wikipedia: Chili pepper
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)