Sweet Pepper Plants for the South Florida Climate

• Chiles may be grown as perennials in tropical climates. Jim Franco/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Chile peppers, species Capsicum, originated in South and Central America. Many varieties are grown as perennials in tropical areas. With protection, several varieties may be grown as perennials in South Florida, or as annuals, without protection. All peppers require abundant sunlight, water and well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Providing filtered sunlight keeps plant from wilting in the hot summer sun.

Bell

• The most popular variety of commercially grown sweet pepper, the bell is a thick-walled pepper that grows to nearly 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. Some varieties of the bell turn red and sweeten with maturity. It has zero Scoville heat units.

Sweet Banana Peppers

• This plant prolifically produces bright yellow fruit that matures to red. The flesh is medium-thick walled. These peppers are popular for pickling.

Pimento Select

• This mild heart-shaped pepper has thick walls and grows to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. When mature, it turns red with a sweet, fruity flavor.

Mantian Yellow

• The Mantian yellow pepper is a large thick-walled sweet pepper that matures to a bright egg yolk-yellow when mature. It is similar in appearance to the bell and may grow to nearly 1/2 lb.

Cubanelle

• The cubanelle is a mellow, sweet, thin-walled pepper that matures from yellow-green to red. The fruits grow up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide.