The growth and development of buds, flowers and fruits of two varieties of Capsicum annuum L. were studied. These two varieties are easily distinguishable by their fruit characteristics. Cell division takes place mainly in the bud stage (pre-anthesis). Cell division takes place at the base of the ovary wall and pericarp during anthesis and post-anthesis. Shape of the fruit is, especially in one variety, already clearly distinguishable in the preanthesis and is predominantly determined by cell division. Size of the fruit is determined by elongation during anthesis and post-anthesis.