Bell Pepper Seed
Capsicum annuum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Central and South America, widely cultivated globally
📅 Days to Maturity
60 to 90 days from transplanting to harvest, depending on whether harvested green or fully ripe; continuous harvest window until first frost.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 as a perennial, grown as a warm-season annual in zones 2 to 8.
About This Seed
Seeds are flat, kidney to disk-shaped, creamy pale yellow, approximately 3 to 4 mm in diameter with a smooth to slightly wrinkled surface texture. The resulting plant is a bushy, branching herbaceous annual growing 18 to 30 inches tall with dark green foliage, small white flowers, and blocky, thick-walled sweet bell peppers.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Warm season, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost, tender to frost
Germination
Germination takes 7 to 21 days at an optimal soil temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. High germination rate when fresh, needs warmth and consistent moisture, no pre-treatment required.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep, spaced 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Prefers rich, well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 and generous organic matter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water consistently with 1 to 2 inches of water per week, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and marigolds; avoid planting near fennel, kohlrabi, or other brassicas.
Special Characteristics
Excellent source of Vitamin C, highly versatile culinary use, moderate heat tolerance, attractive glossy fruits transitioning from green to red, yellow, or orange.