How to Grow Bell Pepper

Start Bell Pepper seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Bell Pepper typically matures in about 70 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Bell Pepper should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Bell Pepper requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

Space Bell Pepper plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Bell Pepper has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Bell Pepper is rated moderate. Let peppers ripen fully past the red stage — slightly overripe peppers have the most viable seeds. Scoop seeds from ripe pepper, spread on screen and dry for 1–2 weeks.

Properly dried and stored Bell Pepper seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Bell Pepper is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.