How to Grow Bell Peppers: The Complete Guide

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Sweet Peppers

Bell peppers are a favorite among gardeners due to their vibrant colors, sweet flavor, and versatility in cooking. These heat-loving summer vegetables are naturally resistant to many pests and diseases. Interestingly, green and red bell peppers come from the same plant; red peppers are simply left to ripen longer. Here’s everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and harvesting bell peppers successfully.

Month by Month

About Bell Peppers

With a long growing season (typically 60 to 90 days), many gardeners prefer to start with nursery-grown pepper plants rather than growing from seed. However, if you have the patience, you can begin seeds indoors to cultivate your own plants.

Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, provide some vitamin A, and contain essential minerals. They’re delicious raw in salads, as a snack with dips, or stuffed and baked with rice, meat, or breadcrumbs.

Bell peppers belong to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. For those interested in spicier varieties, check out our separate guide on growing hot peppers.

Planting Bell Peppers

Choosing the Right Spot

• Bell peppers thrive in full sun and well-draining, moist (but not overly wet) soil.
• They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• A mix of sandy and loamy soil ensures proper drainage and quick warming.
• Incorporate compost or aged manure, especially when working with heavy clay soil.
• Avoid planting in areas where tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants were recently grown to prevent disease exposure.

When to Plant

• Starting Indoors: Begin seeds 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost date.
• Transplanting Outdoors: Move plants outside 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 65°F (18°C).

How to Start Peppers Indoors

• Sow seeds 1/4-inch deep, planting three seeds per pot.
• Maintain a soil temperature of at least 70°F (21°C) for optimal germination.
• Use a heated propagator or heat mat for warmth.
• Expect seedlings to emerge within 2 to 5 weeks.
• Thin out weaker seedlings, keeping two plants per pot.
• If plants become leggy, repot them deeper up to their lowest leaves.
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 10 days.

How to Plant Peppers Outdoors

• Choose healthy transplants with sturdy stems and 4 to 6 leaves.
• Harden off plants for a week or more after the frost-free date.
• Enrich soil with compost or aged manure and rake it well before planting.
• Transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce stress.
• Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart, with rows 2 to 3 feet apart.
• Place matchsticks (for sulfur) and a teaspoon of high-phosphorus fertilizer in each hole before planting.
• Water plants thoroughly after transplanting and consider using liquid fertilizer (manure or compost tea).
• Stake plants early to avoid disturbing roots later.

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Caring for Bell Peppers

Watering

• Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
• Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Avoid inconsistent watering, as this can lead to blossom-end rot.

Encouraging Growth

• Pinch out the top growing points when plants reach 8 inches tall to encourage bushy growth.
• Begin fertilizing when flower buds appear with a potassium-rich fertilizer.
• In hot climates, provide shade cloth or row covers to prevent sunscald and stress.
• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Carefully weed around plants to avoid disturbing roots.

Common Issues

• Blossom drop occurs if temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C) during the day or drop below 60°F (16°C) at night.
• High nitrogen levels encourage leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
• Pollination decreases in extreme temperatures (below 60°F or above 90°F).
• Pests: Watch out for aphids and spider mites, which often target the undersides of leaves.

Types of Bell Peppers

For quicker ripening and full-color development, choose varieties suited to your growing season:

• Green to Red: ‘Lady Bell’, ‘Gypsy’, ‘Bell Boy’, ‘Lipstick’
• Green to Orange: ‘Milena’, ‘Orange Sun’
• Green to Yellow: ‘Golden California Wonder’

Harvesting Bell Peppers

• Harvest when peppers reach their full size and color.
• The longer peppers remain on the plant, the sweeter they become and the higher their vitamin C content.
• Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut peppers from the plant rather than pulling them off.

How to Store Peppers

• Refrigerate in plastic bags for up to 10 days.
• Freeze for longer storage—check out our guide on freezing peppers.
• To dry: Slice into 1/2-inch strips, steam for 10 minutes, then bake at 140°F (60°C) for 4 to 6 hours.

Fun Facts & Myths

• Bell peppers do not contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in spicy peppers.
• Green and red bell peppers are the same plant; red ones are simply ripened longer.
• No such thing as male or female bell peppers—the myth about bumps on the bottom determining gender is false.

Pest & Disease Management

• Common Pests: Aphids and spider mites, which prefer dry conditions and underside of leaves.
• Preventative Measures:
• Mist plants regularly to deter spider mites.
• Keep soil consistently moist to discourage aphids.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth.
• If the air is very dry, water deeply and mist plants to prevent flower drop.

Conclusion

Growing bell peppers successfully requires patience, warmth, and consistent care. Whether you’re starting from seed or using transplants, ensuring proper soil conditions, watering, and pest management will result in a bountiful harvest. Enjoy your homegrown, vitamin-packed peppers in a variety of dishes, from salads to stuffed peppers!

Happy gardening!