Bell Pepper Seed
Capsicum annuum • Solanaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
Central and South America
📅 Days to Maturity
60-90 days from transplanting depending on green vs. red harvest stage. Succession planting is possible in warm climates.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 as a perennial, grown as a summer annual in Zones 2-8.
About This Seed
Seeds are small, flat, kidney-shaped to circular, cream to pale yellow in color with a wrinkled or textured surface. The resulting plant is a sturdy, branching herbaceous annual bush growing 18-30 inches tall with dark green leaves, small white flowers, and blocky, thick-walled bell peppers that mature from green to red.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, sensitive to frost
Germination
Germination takes 7-21 days at an optimal soil temperature of 70-85°F. Germination rate is typically 70-85%. Seeds need darkness to germinate and benefit from consistently moist soil.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1/4 inch deep, spaced 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Prefers rich, well-draining loam with a pH of 6.0-6.8 and heavy organic matter amendment.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water consistently with 1-2 inches per week, letting soil dry slightly between waterings; low drought tolerance.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include basil, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and marigolds. Avoid planting near fennel, kohlrabi, or other brassicas.
Special Characteristics
Heat-loving, highly attractive to pollinators when in bloom, produces vitamin C rich edible fruits, moderately resistant to common garden pests when healthy.