Annuals

Capsicum annuum 'Fish'

Fish Pepper

UnknownNorth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright, bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height18-24 inches
Width12-18 inches
Maturity0.25 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Capsicum annuum 'Fish' is a distinctive hot pepper cultivar renowned for its striking variegated foliage and ornamental appeal. This compact annual plant typically reaches 18-24 inches in height with a bushy, upright growth habit. The leaves display dramatic cream and green striping that creates an eye-catching pattern throughout the growing season, making it as valuable for ornamental purposes as for culinary use. The small, cone-shaped peppers emerge green with white striping that mirrors the foliage pattern, gradually maturing to red with cream variegation. The fruits are typically 1-2 inches long and possess a moderate heat level, rating around 5,000-30,000 Scoville units. The variegated pattern on both leaves and fruits makes Capsicum annuum 'Fish' easily distinguishable from other pepper varieties, earning it recognition as both a productive food crop and an attractive ornamental plant.

Native Range

Capsicum annuum is native to Central and South America, particularly regions of Mexico and northern South America. The 'Fish' cultivar is a heritage variety that was historically grown in the Chesapeake Bay region and associated with African American farming communities.

Suggested Uses

Capsicum annuum 'Fish' works well in vegetable gardens, ornamental borders, container gardens, and as an edible landscape plant. The striking variegated foliage makes it suitable for mixed borders and decorative plantings, while the flavorful peppers are excellent for fresh eating, pickling, and adding moderate heat to dishes.

How to Identify

Capsicum annuum 'Fish' can be identified by its distinctive cream and green variegated foliage that creates bold striping patterns on the leaves. The small, upright peppers display the same variegation pattern, starting green with white stripes and maturing to red with cream markings. The compact, bushy growth habit and the consistent variegation throughout both foliage and fruit make this cultivar unmistakable among pepper varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green
cream

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Summer
mid to late summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

small white flowers

Foliage Description

variegated green and cream striping

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-90 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Capsicum annuum 'Fish' requires warm growing conditions and should not be planted outdoors until soil temperatures reach at least 60°F and all danger of frost has passed. Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, watering deeply but allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season, reducing nitrogen later in the season to encourage fruit production. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning

Capsicum annuum 'Fish' benefits from light pruning to encourage bushier growth and better fruit production. Pinch the growing tips when plants reach 6-8 inches tall to promote branching. Remove any suckers that develop in leaf joints, and harvest peppers regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Capsicum annuum 'Fish' fruits contain capsaicin which can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Handle peppers with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. While not toxic to consume, the heat level may cause discomfort. Keep away from children's reach and avoid contact with eyes.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

75–90 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
basil
oregano
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
beans