Capsicum annuum, more commonly known as Bell Peppers are colorful and crunchy fruits with a rich history. They are enjoyed by cultures worldwide for their culinary versatility and nutritional benefits and are a delightful addition to gardens and kitchens everywhere.
Growing bell peppers is relatively easy, and the plant’s vibrant fruits, attractive foliage, and versatility in cooking make it a fantastic choice for any garden.
Popular Bell Pepper Varieties:
- California Wonder
- Bell Boy
- Golden Bell
- Purple Beauty
Care
- Water: Bell peppers prefer consistent moisture but do not like to be waterlogged. Water them regularly (1-2 inches per week), ensuring the soil stays evenly moist.
- Light: Bell peppers love the sun. Plant them in a spot where they can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent sunscald on the fruits.
- Soil: Bell peppers grow best in well-drained, loamy soil. A soil mix rich in organic matter, such as compost, can improve fertility and drainage. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 6.8.
- Temperature and Humidity: Bell peppers thrive in warm weather, ideally between 68 and 80°F (20 and 27°C). Ideal humidity levels for them are between 65-85% RH.
Planting & Growing
Bell peppers are warm-weather plants, so wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting. They can be started from seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 6-8 inches tall, threat of frost is gone and soil temps are higher than 65°F. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart. Bell peppers typically take around 60-70 days to reach maturity.
Pruning
Pruning young bell pepper plants helps them grow strong roots and more leaves. Remove early flowers and lower leaves to prevent diseases and encourage growth. Smaller pepper varieties like jalapenos can be topped to make them bushier, but bigger ones like bell peppers don’t need this. During the growing season, only trim damaged leaves and branches. As fall nears, prune some leaves to help peppers ripen faster and get ready for harvest before the frost.
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Pepper Weevils
- Spider Mites
- Whiteflies
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do bell peppers take to grow?
Bell peppers take about 60 to 90 days to grow. Most people start with young plants from a nursery instead of seeds.
What conditions do bell peppers grow best in?
Bell peppers love hot weather and fertile, well-drained soil. They need 6-8 hours of full sun daily and can’t handle cold temperatures.
Can bell peppers be grown in containers?
Yes, bell peppers grow well in containers as long as it’s warm. Wait until the danger of frost is over to plant them outside.
What is the best season to plant bell peppers?
Plant bell peppers when the soil is warm and temperatures are consistently above 75°F, usually in late April or May. Cold weather can cause the flowers and fruits to develop poorly.
