Red Section Separator

Spicy exchange / 2023

How much sunlight do pepper plants need?

Cream Section Separator

Do peppers like sun or shade?

Pepper plants thrive with a lot of sunlight in warm and sunny environments. However, they also appreciate up to 50% shade in the hottest parts of the day.

Red Section Separator

Mature pepper plants typically require 6 to 12 hours of sunlight daily to thrive. This categorizes them as “full sun” plants.

How many hours of sun?

Cream Section Separator

Free pepper growing guide

Not sure where to start? I've put together a 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

Red Section Separator

It is possible to grow them in partial shade, where they receive around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, but their growth may be hindered. But it's not black and white! Under 35% shade conditions, bell peppers are actually more productive than in full sun!

Can peppers grow in partial shade?

Cream Section Separator

Signs they're not getting enough sun

Insufficient sunlight can adversely affect pepper plants’ ability to thrive and produce fruit. Surprisingly, pepper plants grown in 50% and 70% shade conditions were larger, but they produced less fruit.

Red Section Separator

While peppers require adequate sunlight for their growth, too much sun can result in sunscalded leaves and fruit, leaf drop, and wilting. Seedlings are particularly sensitive to the sun and must be hardened off correctly.

Can peppers get too much sun?

Cream Section Separator

What to do if your peppers are getting too much sun

If your plants are potted, you can simply move them to a shadier location and monitor their health. If they are planted in beds or in-ground, you can hang a 35-50% shade cloth to protect them without hindering productivity. 

Recommended for you

What to do if your pepper plants aren't growing

Best companion plants for peppers in 2023

Does pruning pepper plants increase yield?

Should you "top" your pepper plants?

Get the free guide to growing chili peppers

The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

Cream Section Separator