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Growing Mini Bell Red Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Mini Red Bell Peppers need a long growing season and should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the threat of frost passes in your area. Plant the seeds a quarter inch deep in a fine, starting mix such as coconut coir. Pepper plants do best in near tropical conditions, such as warmth and moisture. Use a heating mat and grow lights to achieve the best climate indoors. The seedlings should be kept at a minimum of 75 F during germination; even adult plants prefer 70-90 F weather. Employing grow lights is another important step that ensures success when starting seeds indoors. Once the seeds sprout, they immediately need a minimum of 8 hours a day of direct sunlight.

After the seeds sprout and put on their first set of true leaves, they can be lightly fertilized for the first time. Pepper seedlings tend to grow rather slowly but need consistent moisture, light, and warmth to reach their potential.

If the seedlings start to put on flowers while still indoors, pinch them off to allow the plant to focus on root and foliage development. This pepper plant produces heavily. Watch for aphids and cutworms throughout the season. You will see small flattened peppers form that are green, and they are ready to harvest when they turn red.

Harvesting Mini Bell Red Peppers

Once you see the peppers turn red, they are ready to harvest. They should be shiny and firm. They can ripen slightly indoors if necessary but carry the best flavor if left to ripen on the plant and then harvested promptly. Use a knife or scissors and remove the fruit from the plant with about 1 inch of stem still attached. Avoid pulling the fruits off the plant, as this can easily cause damage.

To store freshly harvested bell peppers for optimal longevity, first clean and dry them thoroughly to prevent mold. Place them in a plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator, checking regularly for any signs of spoilage. For longer storage, you can freeze the peppers by slicing and optionally blanching them before spreading them on a baking sheet to freeze and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 6 months this way. Alternatively, you can dry the peppers using a food dehydrator or oven, then store the dried slices in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months.

About Mini Bell Red Pepper Garden Seeds

Mini Red Bell is popularly paired with our Mini Yellow Bell varieties. They are perfect for snacking and adding to charcuterie boards. Use them how you would use any bell pepper as well! The crunchy, sweet flavor of these Mini Red Bells will have you coming back for more again and again.

Bell peppers have many nutritional benefits. They are full of vitamins A and C. These vitamins are essential to a healthy and functional immune system. Peppers are a great low-calorie snack. They are crispy and sweet and are bound to satisfy many different cravings.

Although these peppers are small, each plant is a prolific producer, and each pepper packs quite the sweet punch full of flavor.

Bell peppers have many nutritional benefits. They are full of vitamins A and C. These vitamins are essential to a healthy and functional immune system. Peppers are a great low-calorie snack. They are crispy and sweet and are bound to satisfy many different cravings.

Try dipping these in hummus or ranch for a fresh and savory satisfying snack anytime! Their fresh, crisp nature makes them delicious with rich accompaniments.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Mini Red Bell Peppers dipped in hummus is one of my favorite summertime snacks! The fresh crispness of the peppers paired with the savory richness of the hummus is the ideal pairing for a satisfying snack."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer