Peppers come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most striking are those that grow straight up, pointing towards the sky. These upright peppers add visual interest and ornamental value to any garden. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular upright pepper varieties so you can add architectural beauty to your vegetable patches and container gardens.
Why Do Some Peppers Grow Straight Up?
Most pepper varieties have a pendant growth habit, meaning the peppers hang down from the branches as they mature. However, some cultivars possess a recessive gene that causes the peppers to point upwards instead. This aids in seed dispersal and also helps attract pollinators and seed dispersers drawn to the flashy colors.
Peppers that grow straight up are usually smaller and thinner than peppers that grow down. Because they are lighter, they can defy gravity and keep pointing up. The flesh and skin of these peppers are often thinner, which is another adaptation that keeps the fruits from falling over.
Benefits of Growing Upright Peppers
Upright peppers offer more than just visual appeal. Here are some key benefits:
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Ornamental value – The upright habit and colorful fruits add striking architectural elements
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Space savings – Upright plants don’t spread out as much allowing you to plant more in less space.
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Attracts pollinators – The bright colors draw in pollinating insects.
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Higher yields – Upright varieties often produce more peppers per plant.
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Easy access – With the fruits facing up, harvesting is much simpler. No need to search under leaves and branches!
Popular Varieties of Upright Peppers
Many diverse pepper types have upright growth. Here are some of the most popular:
Tabasco
The iconic Tabasco pepper points straight up, ripening from green to yellow, orange, then red. They are around 2 inches long and moderately hot at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units. Their compact, tapered bushes thrive in containers.
Thai
Slender and pointy, these small peppers grow erect in hues of red, orange, and yellow. They originate from Thailand and add searing heat to Southeast Asian dishes.
Mirasol
This diverse group of upright peppers takes its name from the Spanish words “look at the sun”. Varieties range from mild to fiery hot. Popular types include ‘Bahamian’, ‘Goat’s Weed’, and ‘Purira’.
Candlelight
Aptly named for its upright red fruits that resemble candles, this ornamental plant has only mild heat. The contrast of the peppers against the foliage makes a dramatic display.
Chilly Chili
Despite its name, this pepper looks hotter than it tastes. The long, thin fruits stick up into the air, but they don’t taste very good.
Medusa
A compact dwarf plant reaching just 8-10 inches tall, Medusa produces dozens of small upright red peppers with very little heat.
Fresno
Similar in shape to a jalapeño but with thinner walls, the Fresno starts off growing upright before the fruits drop down. It provides mild to moderate spice levels.
Piquin
This tiny pepper, which is also called a bird’s eye chili, almost always points up. Varieties include ‘Chiltepin’ and ‘Tepin’. They pack an intense, fiery punch.
Santaka
This small pepper is popular in Japan and grows a lot in an upright position. It matures from green to bright red.
Growing Tips for Upright Peppers
Follow these tips to successfully grow upright peppers:
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Choose compact, determinate varieties that won’t grow overly large.
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Give plants at least 6 hours of full sun per day.
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Use cages, stakes, or trellises to support the thin stems if needed.
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Provide rich, well-draining soil to encourage strong roots and stems.
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Water at soil level rather than overhead to avoid weighing down fruits.
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Pick peppers promptly when ripe to prevent fruits from drooping.
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Grow in containers for easiest access and to showcase ornamental varieties.
Enjoy Architectural Beauty and Tasty Peppers
If you want stunning visual interest along with a productive edible garden, try adding upright pepper varieties this season. Their soaring habit offers delightful contrasts in shape, form, and color. Plus, you’ll harvest bushels of tasty peppers for eating fresh or preserving. With so many upright types to choose from, you’re sure to find one perfect for your space and tastes!
Are peppers that grow upwards considered ornamental peppers?
Some peppers that grow upwards are considered ornamentals, but others aren’t. In spite of the fact that certain pepper cultivars are grown simply for their looks, they’re still safe to consume. It’s worth noting, however, that ornamental peppers may not taste as good when eaten raw, unlike other varieties, such as banana peppers.
Ornamental peppers are prolific producers. So, if you cook with peppers a lot, they might be the best plant for your garden. If you prefer to eat peppers raw, or can or pickle them, downward-growing peppers are probably the better choice for your needs. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Ultimately, it comes down to your own personal tastes.
Which types of peppers grow upwards?
Before we take a look at some upward-growing peppers, first, consider your garden’s needs. If you’re growing upright peppers purely for aesthetic purposes, then choose whichever peppers you like best. But if you’re planning on eating the peppers, you should instead consider your heat tolerance.
A pepper’s heat is measured using Scoville heat units (SHU). Bell peppers get a 0 on this scale, which means they are sweet and don’t have any heat, while ghost peppers get an 855,000 to 1,463,000, which means they are very hot. Just so you know, jalapenos are rated between 2,500 and 8,000 on the index, which is in the middle of these two ranges. Bear this in mind when choosing from the following peppers.
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FAQ
Do Fresno peppers grow upwards?
Yes, Fresno peppers typically grow upwards. They are known for having a conical shape and pointing upwards, unlike some other pepper varieties that grow downwards.
What chilli grows upright?
Hot Juan. A striking chilli whose long, pointed fruit dramatically grow upright in bunches at the top of the plant.
Why are my peppers growing flat?
Despite being warm-weather favorites, bell peppers are sensitive to extreme heat—especially during blossom formation. When it’s time to harvest, peppers that are smaller and don’t have the right shape may disappoint you. They are still edible, but you may feel let down.