AgricultureID

Comparison · crop

Solanaceous vegetables: tomato vs eggplant vs sweet pepper vs chili pepper

Compare fruiting nightshade vegetables.

Solanaceous vegetables: tomato vs eggplant vs sweet pepper vs chili pepper
DimensionTomatoEggplantSweet PepperChili pepper
CategoryVegetable cropVegetable cropVegetable cropVegetable crop
Scientific nameSolanum lycopersicum (syn. Lycopersicon esculentum)Solanum melongenaCapsicum annuumCapsicum annuum (and related cultivated Capsicum species)
Botanical familySolanaceae (nightshades)Solanaceae (nightshade family)Solanaceae (nightshade family)Solanaceae (nightshade family)
LifecyclePerennial in frost-free climates; grown as an annual elsewherePerennial in frost-free climates; commonly grown as an annualPerennial in frost-free climates; commonly grown as an annualPerennial shrub, commonly cultivated as an annual
Common diseasesLate Blight, Powdery Mildew, Fusarium WiltVerticillium Wilt, Bacterial Leaf SpotBacterial Leaf Spot, Tobacco Mosaic VirusBacterial Leaf Spot, Anthracnose
Common pestsWhiteflies, Aphids, ThripsColorado Potato Beetle, AphidsWhiteflies, Thrips, Aphids, Spider MitesThrips, Aphids
Suitable soilsLoam SoilLoam Soil, Sandy SoilLoam Soil, Sandy SoilLoam Soil, Sandy Soil

Methodology

Descriptive dimensions (family, lifecycle, associated diseases/pests, soils) are read from each crop’s reference entry. No crop is ranked as “better”; agronomic outcomes are region- and system-specific.

Limitations

  • Descriptive comparison only — not a yield, profitability, or suitability ranking.
  • Associated diseases/pests and soils are typical, not exhaustive, and vary by region.

Sources

This article draws on the following authoritative sources. See our sources & methodology for how they are selected.

  1. [1]FAO — Food and Agriculture Organization (opens in a new tab)

    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

    Authoritative
    Type:
    Intergovernmental organization
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12
  2. [2]USDA PLANTS Database (opens in a new tab)

    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

    Authoritative
    Type:
    Reference database
    Jurisdiction:
    United States
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12