Pepperoncini Chili Plant (Capsicum annuum) 2L Pot

Pepperoncini is a mild pepper variety grown for its long, slender fruit and suitability for pickling and cooking.

The plant produces green foliage and small white flowers followed by elongated peppers. The fruit is normally harvested while green and tender but can be left on the plant to ripen towards red.

Pepperoncini has little or no heat, depending on the individual fruit and growing conditions. The peppers can be pickled, fried whole, grilled or added to salads, sandwiches and cooked dishes.

In the UK, Pepperoncini grows best in a greenhouse, polytunnel or warm and sheltered patio position.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Common names: Pepperoncini, Friggitello Pepper
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Bushy annual or short-lived tender perennial
Potential height: Approximately 50–80 cm under suitable conditions
Foliage: Green, pointed leaves
Flowers: Small white flowers
Fruit: Long, slender peppers ripening from green towards red
Heat level: None to very mild
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, patios and containers
Hardiness: Tender and not frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your Pepperoncini in fertile, well-draining compost in a warm and sunny position. The plant may remain in its 2-litre pot temporarily but should be moved into a larger container to support continued growth and fruit production.

Keep the compost evenly moist, particularly while the plant is flowering and developing fruit. Avoid allowing the compost to remain waterlogged or repeatedly dry out completely.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young peppers begin to appear.

Plants may be placed outside after the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered position protected from strong winds.

Pepperoncini is normally grown as an annual in the UK. Plants may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, although survival cannot be guaranteed.

Fruiting in the UK

Pepperoncini can fruit successfully in the UK when provided with sufficient warmth and light. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation will usually provide the most reliable harvest.

Pick peppers while green and tender for traditional pickling and frying, or allow them to develop further colour for a sweeter and more mature flavour.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one healthy Pepperoncini plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Size and development will vary depending on the time of year.

Important Information

Although Pepperoncini is generally very mild, occasional fruit may contain some heat.

Do not eat the leaves, stems or flowers. Keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage.