Volatile oils in the fruit can irritate and burn if they come in contact with the skin or eyes. Wearing protective rubber gloves is the best method to prevent skin contact with hot types of peppers. Washing your hands with soap and water after handling these peppers helps reduce irritation. Avoid letting your hands come in contact with your face, especially around your eyes and lips. Ornamental Peppers Ornamental peppers are increasing in popularity, especially as potted plants during the holiday season.
Plants are available in many forms, and have small fruits of various shapes and colors.
They are usually purchased when already in fruit. In the home, the potted plants should be kept in a well-lighted location, and the growing medium kept uniformly moist. The ornamental pepper usually requires no fertilizer once it is in fruit. Although the fruits usually are edible, ornamental peppers often are treated chemically to control pests. In general, it is recommended the fruit not be eaten.