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Bell Pepper Growing Guide
Solanaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 20 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 30 | Jun 8 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 27 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 20 | May 29 | — | Aug 2 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 10 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | May 15 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 3 | May 12 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | — | Jul 3 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 13 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 28 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 23 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 25 | Apr 5 | — | Jun 9 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23 | Apr 3 | — | Jun 7 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 13 | Mar 24 | — | May 28 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 26 | Mar 6 | — | May 10 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 3 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 3 | Feb 11 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 4 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 6 | Jan 15 | — | Mar 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Bell Pepper?
Bell Pepper takes approximately 75 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Bell Pepper need?
Bell Pepper requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Bell Pepper?
Plant Bell Pepper at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Bell Pepper survive frost?
Bell Pepper is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Bell Pepper?
Good companion plants for Bell Pepper include Onions, Eggplant, Carrots, Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic. Avoid planting near Kohlrabi, Fennel.
How long does Bell Pepper take to germinate?
Bell Pepper seeds germinate in 8-21 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Bell Pepper seeds indoors?
Start Bell Pepper seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost
- Peppers love warmth; use black plastic mulch to warm soil
- Support plants with stakes once fruit begins to set
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids
- Pepper maggot
- Blossom end rot
- Bacterial leaf spot
Harvest Notes
Harvest green peppers any time at full size, or wait for full color change for sweeter flavor. Cut stems with pruners.
Plan Your Bell Pepper Garden
Track Bell Pepper from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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