Bishop’s Crown (Capsicum annuum ‘Bishop’s Crown’)

Capsicum annuum 'Bishop's Crown' is an edible pepper cultivar grown for its distinctive crown-shaped fruits and ornamental appearance. It is frost tender and performs best during warm, sunny weather.

Yes, its fruits can range from mild to moderately hot, and heat may vary between fruits and growing conditions. The central seed-bearing portion is often hotter than the outer flesh.

Give it full sun, ideally at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. Insufficient light can reduce flowering, fruit production, and ripening.

Water when the surface of the soil begins to dry, keeping the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Consistent moisture is especially important during flowering and fruit development.

No, it is frost tender and can be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures. Move container plants indoors or protect plants before the first frost.

Warm conditions are best, with daytime temperatures around 70–85°F and nights preferably above 55°F. Cold soil or cool nights can slow growth, flowering, and fruit set.

Yes, it grows well in a large container with drainage holes and fertile, well-drained potting mix. Choose a container of about 5 gallons or larger to support its root system and mature growth.

Yes, it can grow indoors near a very bright window or under a grow light. Indoor plants need good airflow, careful watering, and hand pollination if natural pollinators are absent.

Use fertile, well-drained loam or a high-quality container mix that drains freely. Avoid heavy, compacted soil because wet roots can lead to poor growth and root diseases.

Space plants about 18–24 inches apart in the garden, allowing additional room if the plant develops a broad, branching habit. Good spacing improves airflow and reduces disease pressure.

Excess nitrogen, inadequate light, temperature stress, or inconsistent watering can produce vigorous foliage with limited fruit. Provide full sun, avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen, and keep moisture steady.

Blossom drop is commonly caused by cool nights, excessive heat, drought, waterlogged soil, or poor pollination. Keep the plant evenly watered and protect it from temperature extremes.

Support is useful when the plant becomes tall or carries many fruits. A small stake or tomato cage can prevent branches from bending or breaking.

Aphids, flea beetles, thrips, and other common pepper pests may attack it. Inspect new growth regularly and use a targeted, label-approved treatment only when necessary.

Improve airflow, water at the soil line, avoid working among wet plants, and grow it in well-drained soil. Crop rotation and removing badly diseased foliage can further reduce disease problems.

Peppers are ripe when they reach their mature color, commonly red, and feel firm with a developed, glossy skin. Green fruits can also be harvested earlier, but they usually have less sweetness.

Cut or snip the fruits from the plant rather than pulling them off. Harvesting regularly can encourage continued flowering and fruit production during the growing season.

Start seeds indoors about 8–10 weeks before your area's expected last spring frost. Transplant outdoors only after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed.

Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep in a warm, moist seed-starting mix. Pepper seeds germinate more reliably when the medium is warm rather than cool.

Germination commonly takes about 7–21 days under warm, evenly moist conditions. Cool temperatures, old seed, or drying out can delay or reduce emergence.

Transplant it after the last frost when daytime temperatures are warm, nights are mild, and the soil is no longer cold. Harden seedlings outdoors gradually for about a week before planting.

Direct sowing is possible only where the growing season is long and reliably warm. In most U.S. gardens, starting it indoors gives the plant more time to mature and produce ripe fruit.

Yes, you can save seeds from fully ripe, healthy fruit and dry them thoroughly before storage. Because peppers can cross-pollinate, saved seed may not reproduce the exact parent if other pepper varieties flowered nearby.

No, routine pruning is not required for good production. Remove damaged growth and use light shaping only if the plant becomes crowded or difficult to support.

Yes, a healthy plant can be overwintered indoors in a bright, warm location. Before bringing it inside, inspect it for pests, reduce watering, and prune lightly if needed to fit the available space.

The ripe peppers are edible, but their capsaicin can irritate the mouth, eyes, skin, and digestive tract. Wear gloves when handling large quantities and keep fresh peppers away from children and pets.

Wear gloves when cutting the peppers and avoid touching your eyes or face afterward. Wash hands, knives, and cutting surfaces thoroughly, especially when preparing hotter fruits.

It generally flowers after establishing substantial leafy growth in warm, bright conditions. Flowering may be delayed by cool nights, low light, drought, or excessive nitrogen.

Yes, pepper flowers can usually self-pollinate, but gentle shaking of the plant or using a small brush can improve fruit set indoors. Good airflow and warm, stable conditions also help.

Poor fruit set is usually linked to temperature stress, inconsistent moisture, low light, or inadequate pollination. Stabilize growing conditions and gently shake the plant during flowering if it is indoors.