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Growing Canary Bell Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Firstly, since Canary bell peppers take their sweet time maturing, you'll need to get a head start indoors. Ideally, begin sowing the seeds about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area, as per your USDA hardiness zone. This head start is crucial as it allows your pepper plants to develop well before moving them outside. When starting seeds indoors, use small pots or seed starting trays filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide plenty of warmth. A heat mat can be particularly handy here to maintain an ideal germination temperature. Peppers love warmth, so aim for soil temperatures around 80°F for optimal germination.

As your seedlings sprout and grow, ensure they receive plenty of light—this might mean using grow lights if you don't have a south-facing window. Once they've developed a couple of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, it's time to think about moving them outside. However, don’t just plonk them in the garden; they must be acclimatized. This process, known as hardening off, involves gradually exposing the plants to outdoor conditions over a week or so. Start by placing them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their outdoor time.

Canary bell peppers thrive in locations that receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and prefer slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Their upright growth and shallow root system make them excellent candidates for various gardening setups, including container gardens, raised beds, and traditional row gardens. If you’re planting in the ground or raised beds, ensure the soil is enriched with compost or a balanced fertilizer to provide a good start. Choose a high-quality potting mix for containers and ensure adequate drainage holes.

When planting your peppers outdoors, space them about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation and room for growth. Water the plants regularly to moisten the soil, but be careful not to overwater. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay.

As the plants grow, they may need support to help bear the weight of the fruit. Stakes or cages can prevent branches from breaking under the weight of your peppers. Utilizing a dark-colored mulch at the base of the plants can increase soil warmth and reduce watering needs. Check the plants daily for signs of pests and diseases. The best IPM strategy is a preventative one!

Harvesting Canary Bell Peppers

These peppers are ready for harvest approximately 100 days after transplanting once they've reached their characteristic vibrant yellow color and the skin is slightly firm to the touch. The color is your primary indicator of ripeness; while it might be tempting to pick them when they start to change color, waiting until they are fully yellow ensures the best flavor and texture. Another sign of readiness is the size; Canary bell peppers should be large and plump, indicating they have fully developed.

Instead of pulling the peppers directly from the stem, which can damage the plant, use a sharp pair of gardening shears or scissors. Cut the pepper off the plant, leaving a short piece of stem attached to the fruit.

About Canary Bell Pepper Garden Seeds

As a low-calorie, nutrient-rich food, Canary sweet bell peppers can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. They have significant amounts of vitamin C and other vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

These sweet peppers can be used immediately in cooking or stored for short periods. Store them in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator to extend their freshness, where they can last for up to a week. If you have a bountiful harvest, consider preserving methods such as freezing.

These large, yellow bell peppers are among the most popular yellow varieties on the market. Their sweet and mild flavor is great for pretty much any use that one might have for a bell pepper.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I love slicing up red, green, and yellow bell peppers for fajitas. The contrasting colors are beautiful to the eye and healthy for the gut."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Canary Bell Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 500 mg - Packet- Approximately 70 Seeds
• .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 64,000 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 320,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Canary Bell Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.