Twenty-four species and some varieties. Stove evergreen shrubs, or hardy and stove annuals. Seeds. Rich open soil.

The following are the kitchen garden species and varieties.

Capsicum Annuum

Capsicum or Guinea Pepper. Of this there are five varieties: -

1. Long-podded.

2. Heart-shaped.

3. Short-podded.

4. Angular-podded.

5. Round Short-podded.

C. Cerasiforme

Capsicum or Cherry Pepper. Of this there are three varieties:

1. Cherry-shaped.

2. Bell-shaped, or Ox-heart.

3. Yellow-podded.

C. Grossum

Capsicum, or Bell Pepper. Of this there are three varieties: -

1. Old Bell-shaped or Bull-nose.

2. Sweet or Spanish.

3. Tomato-shaped.

Soil And Situation

The soil best suited for them is a rich moist loam, rather inclining to lightness than tenacity.

Time And Mode Of Sowing

They are propagated by seed, which may be sown towards the end of March or beginning of April in a hot-bed of moderate size, with the shelter of a frame; or somewhat later on an open border, protected from cold winds: when the plants are sufficiently advanced they may be transplanted to their permanent position in the garden.

To Obtain Seed

For the production of seed a plant bearing some of the for-wardest and finest fruit of each Variety must be preserved, that it may be ripe before the frosts commence, the first of which usually kills the plants. When completely ripe, the pods are cut and hung up in the sun, or in a warm room, until completely dry, in which state they are kept until the seed is wanted for sowing.