The Ornamental pepper (Capsicum frutescens) native to South America, is prized for its spectacular red fruit, which can be eaten if the plant has been organically grown. The peppers start out green, turn white, purple, red and orange. Often all these colors may be present on the plant simultaneously.

The Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), also native to South America, has non-edible, poisonous, round bright orange or yellow fruits. Both are members of the Solanaceae (Potato) family with similar cultural requirements.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Light: Give them a minimum of 4 hours of direct sun every day, preferably eastern exposure.

Watering: Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Do not allow the plants to wilt.

Temperature: These South American natives prefer warm day temperatures of a minimum of 70°F in the day and between 60-65°F at night.

Humidity: Normal room humidity is adequate.

Feeding: During the growing season, feed once a month with a water soluble tomato-type liquid fertilizer.

Transplanting: Since both act as annuals indoors, it is not recommended to make them last for more than one season. Once the fruiting period is over, in later winter or early spring, these plants really decline in vigor and should be discarded.

Propagation: They are easily grown from seed between January and early March. The seedlings are best grown outdoors over the summer and brought back indoors before the first frost. They can easily be grown indoors from seed as well, just take care to give them only the gentle eastern morning sun.

Maintenance: Keep pinching back stem tips every few weeks during the growing season as this will encourage branching and flower production.

Special Note: Remember to discard when plants go into decline, as they are grown as annuals and need to be treated as such, and normally are not worth trying to keep on.


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