Bell pepper
Good choice for roasting, salads and making stuffed peppers.
The bell pepper is a very mild pepper
Quick link to article details below:
- How to grow bell pepper for cooking.
- The difference between black pepper and bell pepper.
- Example bell pepper recipes
It will take about 2 to 3 months to grow with the seeds available online – where to buy bell pepper seeds
1. How to grow bell pepper for cooking
1a – Quick summary
Bell peppers (also known as sweet pepper) can either be red, green, yellow, orange or black – depending on age & plant variety.
Originally from Mexico & Central America imported into Spain as long ago as 1493 (Thank you Wikipedia)
- Position : Full sun, warm location,
- About 50 to 90 cm high
- Days from seed to harvest – 60 to 90 (2 to 3 months)
1b – When to grow bell pepper for cooking
There are 3 options:
- December to January – you start with seeds indoors (as per the steps below) about 4 to 8 weeks before the last frost and then transfer them when the nights are warmer.
- March to April – Or you can sow them outside, only when there is no more frost.
- All year round – Or you can grow them all year round on a sunny window ledge (or using grow lamps)
1c – How to grow bell pepper at home:
Step 1
The first step is to get the bell pepper seeds. You can order them online or some garden centres will sell them. Not often mentioned but if you simply add the seeds into a bowl of water for 30 minutes to 1 hour they will start quicker then simply putting them in soil.
Step 2
The next stage is to put the seeds in the soil. Leave at least 2 – 3 cm between each seed. A very simple way is to fill a plant pot (or a few) with soil, then add the seeds and sprinkle a bit of soil on top.
A much more effective way is to use a seed tray with a lid. The advantage of using a lid is that it will retain the moisture helping your plants grow. Simply put a bit of soil in the tray, spoon in the seeds and cover with a bit of soil.
Step 3
Then simply put the pot or tray somewhere safe and leave the sprout.
However a much, much quicker way is to use a heat mat.
All you do is put the tray on the mat and the extra heat will significantly speed up how fast your seeds will grow.
Step 4
The seeds will germinate after 3 – 4 weeks and then transplant the seedlings into 5 cm pots.
Hold the seedling by its leaves to prevent any root or stem damage. With a pencil or dibber make one deep hole in the compost in each 5cm pot. Sink one seedling into each hole so that its lowest leaves are just above compost level. Firm the compost around each seedling and water well.
Step 5
Re-potting and growing
It is best to re-pot in stages before their final pot size.
Ensure the newly planted seedlings have access to as much daylight as possible. Keep the seedling warm and away from cold draughts. After 10 – 14 days repot into 8 – 10 cm pots. In late April / May (depending on the temperature) plant out. Harden off over 7 – 10 days to help reduce shock.
Fully grown they can be up to 60 to 100 cm in height i.e. an individual pot might be the best option.
1d – How to grow bell peppers using Hydroponics or Aquaponics.
Peppers are great for growing at home using hydroponics – like the pictured automated hydroponic unit
As they will be ready to be harvested quicker than planted in soil.
A key advantage is that it is a lot easier to grow them as the system is automated and will provide exactly the right amount of water and feed.
However please note they do love sunshine – and a grow light will help.
2. The difference between black pepper and bell pepper.
Please note the instructions above will also work for a black bell pepper, which tends to be a different type of plant.
The black bell pepper is an old fashioned variety with lots classic bell shaped fruit and, as it’s name suggests, beautiful, shiny dark purple almost black colouring.
Absolutely Stunning, almost ornamental yet delicious and very productive. Easy to grow outdoors ,
These peppers are a wow and will amaze your gardening friends with their size shape and taste.
3. Example bell pepper recipes
Bell peppers are a good choice for roasting, salads and making stuffed peppers – however do note that they will have a slightly different taste based on age.
The green bell peppers tend to be the youngest and not yet fully ripened, hence they will have a lightly ‘bitter’ taste, compared to red peppers which will be sweeter (as they are ripened). The yellow one tend be in the middle taste wise, but slightly on the ‘red pepper’ spectrum.
Example recipes:
- Roasted Peppers with Garlic and Herbs (See video)
- Stuffed green peppers
- Vegan roast red pepper pasta
The bell peppers can be grown from seed and will produce a sweet flavoured, thick fleshed bell pepper. The pepper begins as a glossy green colour however if left to mature they turn to a brilliant deep red colour.
We use Bell peppers (or red peppers) often in recipes. Below are some examples:
How to Slow cook chicken curry
chorizo sauce pasta
Thai basil red curry
Chicken Stroganoff recipe easy
Easy coriander chicken
Bell peppers are great as an ingredient, very versatile it can be used in so many options. However, fresh ones are so easily available in shops it’s only worth growing if you’ve got lots of space