Kinds that are frequently grown are varieties of C. frutescens, which are the peppers grown in the vegetable
garden and include those from which red pepper, cayenne pepper, tabasco
and paprika are made.
There are many varieties of garden peppers. They are divided into two
groups; the sweet peppers or mild-flavoured varieties, which are used for
stuffing, salads and garnishing; and the hot peppers, which are mainly
used in sauces and flavouring.
The Spanish word “Chili” describes peppers
of all kinds, but in English, the name is usually only applied to the
pungent varieties used for flavouring. C. frutescens grossum, the sweet or
bell pepper, is a popular vegetable.
Certain types of peppers are very pretty when grown as potted plants, especially
in the fall and early winter. The best are C. frutescens cerasiforme,
the cherry pepper and C. frutescens conoides, the cone pepper. The varieties
of these kinds have red, purple or cream-coloured fruit displayed
above the rich green foliage.