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Growing Big Bertha Hybrid Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost of spring. Prior to planting, prepare a suitable growing medium. Opt for a seed-starting mix that is light and well-draining, as this will promote better germination and root development. Fill your seed trays or small pots with the mix, slightly moistening the soil before sowing the seeds to create an optimal growing environment.

Plant your Big Bertha pepper seeds about ¼ inch deep in the prepared soil. Cover them lightly with the mix and place the trays or pots in a location that receives ample warmth and light. The ideal temperature for germination is between 75 F and 85 F. If you're starting your seeds indoors, consider using a heat mat to maintain the necessary soil temperature. Covering your trays or pots with plastic wrap can help retain moisture and warmth, but be sure to remove it once germination occurs, which typically takes 7-14 days. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged during this period.

After the seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves (not the initial seed leaves, but the next pair that grows), it's time to thin them. Select the strongest seedling in each pot or cell, removing the others to avoid overcrowding. This selection process encourages the development of robust plants. Continue to provide your seedlings with 6-8 hours of light per day, supplementing with grow lights if natural sunlight is inadequate. This prevents the plants from becoming leggy and weak. Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by hardening them off—gradually increasing their exposure to the outside over a week or two. This step is essential for transitioning your plants from a controlled indoor environment to the variable outdoors.

Transplant your hardened-off Big Bertha pepper plants into your garden or larger pots once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. Incorporating a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting will provide essential nutrients for growth. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, is vital for maintaining even soil moisture. Support your plants with stakes or cages to manage the weight of the fruit. As your Big Bertha peppers mature, monitor for pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly to ensure a healthy and productive crop.

Harvesting Big Bertha Hybrid Peppers

Big Bertha Hybrid peppers typically reach maturity 73 days after transplanting, depending on growing conditions. The initial sign of readiness is the pepper's color. While they can be harvested green, Big Bertha Hybrid peppers develop their full sweetness and a richer flavor as they turn red.

When harvesting Big Bertha Hybrid peppers, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Grasp the pepper gently and cut the stem about a half-inch above the fruit. Avoid pulling or twisting the peppers off by hand, as this can cause branches to break or damage the plant, potentially affecting future yields.

About Big Bertha Hybrid Pepper Garden Seeds

Big Bertha peppers are hybrid bell peppers recommended by Utah State University. These massive bell peppers are sweet without any spice level at all.

Big Bertha Hybrid peppers are huge and perfect for stuffing, dicing, slicing, canning, and stir-frying.

Peppers generally grow in gardens, greenhouses, containers, and raised beds. The Big Bertha Hybrid is no different. It is hard to go wrong if they have adequate light, space, moisture, warmth, and nutrients.

Big Bertha Hybrid pepper plants can produce multiple fruits throughout the growing season, especially if maintained in optimal growing conditions. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more flowers and, subsequently, more peppers. Check your plants every few days, especially as the season progresses and temperatures rise, as peppers can mature quickly.

These four-lobed peppers can reach up to 4 inches wide and 7 inches long. This variety is considered one of the largest sweet bell peppers available.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"One of my favorite recipes to make with large peppers like these are fajitas. Grill some beef or chicken and slice it into strips. Lightly saute the pepper slices with the chicken and a good fajita seasoning for a mouthwatering healthy meal!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Big Bertha Hybrid Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 10 seed Packet
• 100 seed Packet
• 1000 seed Packet

Non-GMO Big Bertha Hybrid Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.