Are Ornamental Peppers Edible? Safety and Variety Guide

Q: We have ornamental peppers in a planter. I know they aren't winter-hardy outdoors, but can we eat them before they freeze?

If you haven't sprayed them with pesticides, they are perfectly edible! Taste a small piece first, as some varieties are extremely hot. PanAmerican Seed developed a milder ornamental pepper named 'Chilly Chili', an All-America Selections winner in 2002.

If you prefer not to eat them, bring the pot indoors for the holidays—the red fruit is quite decorative. However, be aware that not all holiday plants are safe: Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) has bright orange round fruit that is highly poisonous.