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Growing Tender Bell Hybrid Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

To start Tender Bell Hybrid Peppers, sow the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Pepper seeds should be sown at a depth of about .25 inch in a seed-starting mix. Using small pots or seed trays, place one seed per cell or pot. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of around 75-85 F (24-29 C) for optimal germination. Peppers require warmth to germinate, so consider using a heat mat if your indoor environment is cooler.

Once the seeds have germinated, which typically takes about 7-14 days, ensure they receive plenty of light. A sunny windowsill might suffice, but for best results, use fluorescent or LED grow lights positioned about 2-3 inches above the seedlings. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy.

Before transplanting your seedlings outdoors, they need to be hardened off. This process acclimates the young plants to the outdoor environment, reducing transplant shock. About 1-2 weeks before transplanting, start by placing the seedlings outside in a shaded area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions. Bring them indoors at night or if the weather turns cold or windy.

When the danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55 F (13 C), your Tender Bell Hybrid Peppers are ready to be transplanted. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Peppers thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, keeping the root system intact. Plant each seedling 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. Water the newly transplanted peppers thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Peppers need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development, requiring about 1-2 inches of water per week, and benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize at planting with a balanced fertilizer, then side-dress with a balanced or slightly phosphorus-heavy slow-release or liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote robust growth and abundant fruiting, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers. Staking or caging the plants at the time of transplanting supports heavy yields, and while pruning is generally unnecessary, removing diseased or damaged leaves can improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.

Harvesting Tender Bell Hybrid Peppers

Tender Bell Hybrid Peppers are ready to harvest when they reach their full size and exhibit vibrant color, whether that be red, yellow, or orange, depending on the variety. The peppers will be firm to the touch. While you can harvest them when they are still green, allowing them to ripen fully will enhance their sweetness and nutritional content.

To harvest, use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the pepper from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Avoid pulling or twisting the fruit, as this can damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.

About Tender Bell Hybrid Pepper Garden Seeds

Tender Bell Hybrid Peppers are the result of careful breeding to combine desirable traits such as disease resistance, high yield, and superior flavor. These peppers are sweet rather than hot, making them versatile for a variety of culinary uses.

These peppers can be grown in containers, provided the pots are large enough (at least 5 gallons) and have good drainage. Container gardening is a great option for those with limited space or for urban gardeners. Ensure the containers receive adequate sunlight and are watered more frequently, as container soil can dry out faster than garden soil.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"I have found that pepper seedlings do best with more time than less. What I mean by this is if your region suggests starting pepper seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost date, go for 8 or 9 weeks! They can be a bit slow to get going and will benefit from some extra time in the warmth, assuming they can have enough light.”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer