In a laboratory study, a dose of capsaicin completely inhibited H. pylori growth after 24 hours, without harming the beneficial E. coli found naturally in the human gut. Whether you're using hot peppers to spice up your cooking or a capsaicin cream to tame chronic pain, wear rubber gloves when handling the hot stuff or wash hands with vinegar afterward. If you don't live in a tropical locale, either buy a hearty seedling from a nursery or start some seeds indoors in peat pots that can be transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed. In the heat of summer the plants will pump out peppers. I freeze my extras-just wipe them clean and store in an airtight container in the freezer until you need them.
Peppers prefer rich, moist soil with good drainage in a sunny location.
They grow in a neat, upright shape, so don't be afraid to tuck them into a sunny perennial flower garden. Pepper plants are also perfectly happy in containers on patios and porches. A ripe pepper is firm and usually green, but can be red or yellow depending on variety. Pick peppers as they ripen so the plant can use its energy to produce more fruit. One exception is if you plan to dry the peppers.