Hot weather and spicy harvests go hand in hand! Summer brings out the best in peppers that thrive under bright sun and warm temperatures. Perfect for spicing up meals or adding crunch to fresh dishes, these peppers are fun to grow and easy to enjoy. From sweet to sizzling, this list features 23 standout types that shine in summer and bring life to your garden and kitchen.
1. Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are a colorful and crunchy staple that loves the summer sun. They grow best in full sunlight and warm soil, producing red, green, yellow, or orange fruit. While they thrive in warm conditions, extreme heat (above 90°F) can cause stress. Providing afternoon shade in such climates can be beneficial.
2. Jalapeño
Jalapeños thrive in summer warmth and offer a zesty, medium heat that’s just right for many palates. These thick-walled green peppers turn red when mature and grow quickly in sunny conditions. They’re ideal for slicing into nachos, stirring into salsas, or stuffing for jalapeño poppers. Their reliable heat and productivity make them a go-to pepper for home gardeners.
3. Habanero
Habaneros flourish in hot, sunny gardens and deliver a serious punch of heat. These lantern-shaped peppers start green and ripen to bright orange or red, bringing a fruity and fiery flavor. They're essential in spicy sauces and tropical dishes. Their heat level is not for the faint of heart, but they reward gardeners with big flavor and abundant harvests.
4. Poblano
In regions with intense summer heat, providing shade to this variety during the hottest part of the day can prevent sunscald. Poblano peppers thrive in long, warm summers and produce large, dark green pods. They’re mild and earthy in flavor, making them excellent for roasting, stuffing, or drying. When dried, they become ancho chiles, rich and smoky. Whether you enjoy them fresh or dried, poblanos are a garden favorite that brings depth and flavor to any dish.
5. Banana Pepper
Banana peppers are tangy, mildly sweet, and handle summer heat like champs. These slender, yellow peppers grow quickly and add brightness to any garden. Popular for pickling, they’re also great fresh on sandwiches or tossed into salads. Their gentle heat and crisp texture make them a perfect introduction to growing peppers at home.
6. Cayenne
Cayenne peppers are long, skinny, and blazing hot. They love full sun and warm soil, maturing into red-hot pods that are perfect for drying or turning into powder. Their bold flavor is great for seasoning soups, meats, and sauces. Easy to grow and highly productive, cayenne peppers are a spicy garden staple.
7. Anaheim
Anaheim peppers are a mild, slightly sweet variety that grows well in steady summer heat. They start green and ripen to red, though they’re often picked early. Perfect for stuffing, grilling, or roasting, Anaheims are a go-to pepper for Mexican cuisine. Their gentle flavor and generous size make them incredibly versatile.
8. Thai Chili
Thai chilis are small but mighty peppers that thrive in hot, humid weather. These fiery little pods grow in clusters and turn red as they ripen. They’re essential in Southeast Asian cooking, adding powerful heat to stir-fries, curries, and dipping sauces. With high yields and intense spice, Thai chilis are a summer favorite for heat lovers.
9. Serrano
Serrano peppers are slender, crunchy, and pack a spicy punch. They grow best in warm climates and need full sun to flourish. Typically hotter than jalapeños, serranos are excellent for salsas, sauces, and raw preparations. Their vibrant flavor and reliable production make them a standout in summer gardens.
10. Ghost Pepper
Ghost peppers are one of the hottest peppers in the world and love tropical heat. Also known as Bhut Jolokia, they mature from green to red and deliver an intense burn. Best used in small amounts, ghost peppers are popular for hot sauces and spicy challenges. Only plant these if you’re a seasoned spice enthusiast!
11. Shishito
Shishito peppers are wrinkled, slender green pods that grow well in sunny, hot conditions. Most are mild, though one in ten surprises with heat. They’re perfect for tossing in olive oil and grilling whole. Their thin skin and slight sweetness make them a favorite appetizer or side dish during peak summer.
12. Fresno
Fresno peppers resemble jalapeños but are slightly fruitier and a bit hotter. They grow best in warm, sunny spots and turn from green to bright red as they mature. Fresnos shine in salsas, hot sauces, and ceviche, adding both flavor and heat. Their smooth texture and manageable spice make them a kitchen favorite.
13. Scotch Bonnet
Scotch bonnets are beloved in Caribbean cuisine and demand warm, sunny weather. These squat, bright peppers are extremely hot but offer a sweet, fruity undertone. Great in jerk marinades and tropical sauces, they’re a flavorful option for adventurous cooks. Their bold heat and colorful appeal make them a standout summer variety.
14. Cherry Pepper
Also called pimentos, cherry peppers are round, red, and mild with a hint of spice. They thrive in warm weather and grow easily in garden beds or containers. These sweet peppers are perfect for pickling, stuffing, or slicing onto pizzas. Their attractive shape and pleasant flavor make them a fun addition to summer plantings.
15. Hungarian Wax
Hungarian wax peppers are banana-shaped and range from mild to moderately hot. They grow quickly in hot weather and produce a steady crop. Often pickled or stuffed, they’re versatile in the kitchen and loved for their crisp texture. With a pale yellow color and bold bite, they’re a popular summer pepper.
16. Pequin Pepper
Pequin peppers are tiny, round, and fiercely spicy. These compact plants do well in hot, dry climates and produce abundantly. Used in chili oils and sauces, pequins add intense heat in small doses. Their small size hides their strength, but their flavor and resilience make them a favorite for hot climates.
17. Aji Amarillo
Aji Amarillo peppers are bright yellow-orange with a citrusy, medium heat. Native to South America, they thrive in warm gardens and grow up to five inches long. Their fruity flavor is essential in Peruvian dishes like aji de gallina. If you're looking to grow something a little different, this pepper adds sunny color and complex flavor.
18. Tabasco
Tabasco peppers love heat and humidity and produce clusters of small, upright pods. They’re juicy and hot, with a flavor famously captured in Tabasco sauce. Grown for their bold taste and prolific harvest, these peppers bring a tangy punch to any dish. They’re ideal for sauces, salsas, and Southern-style cooking.
19. Cubanelle
Cubanelles are sweet, thin-walled peppers that thrive in full sun and summer warmth. Light green in color, they’re often used in sautés, salads, and stuffed recipes. Their mild heat and tender flesh make them a tasty substitute for bell peppers. Easy to grow and harvest, Cubanelles are a must-have for warm-season gardeners.
20. Aji Lemon Drop
Aji Lemon Drop peppers are bright yellow with a citrusy zing and medium heat. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, growing up to four inches long. Popular in South American dishes, these peppers add a tangy brightness to salsas and sauces. Their cheerful color and refreshing flavor make them a standout for summer gardens.
21. Chiltepin
Chiltepin peppers are tiny, wild chilis that grow well in dry, hot climates. Also called bird’s eye peppers, they’re known for their quick, sharp heat. These round red peppers are often dried or used whole in stews and salsas. Hardy and drought-tolerant, chiltepins are ideal for tough summer growing conditions and add authentic heat to rustic recipes.
22. Carolina Reaper
The Carolina Reaper is officially one of the hottest peppers on Earth and requires hot, sunny weather to grow. These small, wrinkled red peppers deliver scorching heat with a touch of fruity sweetness. Ideal for extreme spice lovers, they’re mostly used in micro-doses in sauces or dried blends. This pepper demands respect and careful handling from planting to plate.
23. Datil Pepper
Datil peppers are sweet, spicy gems that flourish in Florida’s summer heat. Small and yellow-orange, they pack a surprising kick behind their fruity flavor. Often used in hot sauces and regional dishes, datils thrive in warm, humid climates. Gardeners love their bright taste and manageable size, making them a flavorful alternative to habaneros or Scotch bonnets.
A Garden Full of Heat and Flavor
These summer-loving peppers are perfect for cooks, gardeners, and spice lovers alike. Each one brings a unique taste, texture, and color to the table. Some offer gentle sweetness, while others deliver intense heat. All of them grow strong in hot weather and produce generously. Try a mix to enjoy a variety of flavors all season long. With the right care, your pepper garden can become the highlight of your summer harvest. Read this to know 21 Pepper Tips That Lead to Bigger Harvests and Fewer Problems.