Mambo Ornamental Pepper Plants produce colorful ornamental pepper fruit that stand upright in clusters at the end of the stems with bushy, glossy green foliage creating an outstanding ornamental plant. They will grow to around 5” to 7” in height. The fruits on the mambo series are wider than narrow shaped ornamental varieties, and they come in a variety of colors including shades of red, purple, yellow and orange. They produce small white flowers, but it is the colorful fruits that stand out and make for a showy ornamental plant. They are easy to care for and are usually grown as a fall annual plant due to the bright colors of the fruit. Ornamental peppers belong to the same genus as edible peppers and can be eaten. They often have a flat flavor and sometimes bitter hot spicy sensation, without any smokiness or sweetness, although that isn’t true for all ornamental pepper varieties. Ornamental varieties are bred to have a dwarf growing habit and produce fruit on top or on the tips of the plant where it can be seen, whereas edible fruits are hidden under the leaves. Use them as bedding plants in the garden or plant them in pots so you can enjoy them on sunny decks and patios. They can also be grown indoors and make attractive houseplants.
Place Mambo Peppers in a location that receives full sun in rich well-draining soil. Add a generous amount compost if the soil is heavy clay or grow them in raised beds or containers. If growing ornamental peppers in pots, any all-purpose potting mix will be sufficient, provide the container has drainage holes and will drain well. Poorly drained soil can lead to leaf diseases and root rot. Water enough to make the soil moist, but not soggy allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Check containers daily during hot days since they will dry out quickly. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry. When growing indoors, place Mambo Ornamental Peppers in a south facing window where it can receive a lot of sunlight. After watering, allow excess water to drain and then empty the saucer under the plant so the roots will not be sitting in water. Fertilize the plants monthly early in the growing season. Reduce fertilizing to one time when the fruit first begins to form, and then a second time about six weeks later. Use a 5-10-10 fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen to encourage fruit and bloom production without making plants too leafy.
Pruning ornamental peppers is not necessary, but it will help them retain a smaller form. Pinch off the growing tips to create a bushier plant. When the stems are long at about 4 to 6 inches, trim a half an inch to encourage less leggy growth. However, do not trim flowering stems. The most common diseases of ornamental peppers are fungal diseases such botrytis (gray mold) and pythium root rot. Both are more likely during wet conditions when airflow is poor, and soil is soggy. Fungicidal sprays or powders can help control it, along with correcting air flow and soil issues. Read the labels to be sure the product is safe if you plant to consume the peppers. As with standard garden peppers, several insect pests including aphids, spider mites, hornworms, and thrips can be a problem. Aphids and spider mites can be eradicated with an insecticidal soap. Thrips may require a chemical spray, which is only acceptable if the fruit will not be consumed. Follow directions on the product label.
Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist 