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Growing Chocolate Beauty Peppers in the Vegetable Garden

Begin your Chocolate Beauty bell pepper seeds by starting them indoors about two months before the last expected frost in your area. This head start is crucial because bell peppers need a long, warm growing season to flourish. Use a sterile seed starting mix in small pots or trays, planting the seeds about a quarter inch deep. Peppers love warmth, so keep the soil temperature around 80 F (27 C) to encourage germination, which should occur in 1-2 weeks. A heat mat can be really handy here. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Once your pepper seedlings have sprouted and the weather has warmed, it's time to think about moving them outside. However, don’t rush! Peppers are sensitive to cold. Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55 F (13 C). About two weeks before transplanting, start "hardening off" your seedlings. This means gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions to toughen them up. Start with an hour outside in a sheltered spot and increase by an hour each day.

When you're ready to transplant, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Bell peppers thrive in sunlight and warmth. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to disturb their roots, and plant them at the same depth they were growing indoors.

Peppers are somewhat fussy about water—they dislike both drought and soggy feet. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, watering the plants deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry periods. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Pruning is not strictly necessary for Chocolate Beauty bell peppers, but it can improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, potentially leading to a better harvest. If you choose to prune, do so sparingly. Remove any leaves touching the soil to prevent disease, and consider thinning out some of the inner branches to let light into the center of the plant.

Companion planting can enhance your peppers’ growth and protect them from pests. Good companions for bell peppers include onions, spinach, and basil. These plants can help repel pests and improve overall plant health. Avoid planting them near fennel or kohlrabi, though, as they can inhibit pepper growth.

Peppers love stable, warm conditions, so consider using black plastic mulch to warm the soil and speed up growth. Support your pepper plants with stakes or cages to prevent them from toppling over once they’re laden with fruit. Pay attention to your plants, and they’ll let you know what they need—whether it's more water, less water, or a little extra love.

Harvesting Chocolate Beauty Peppers

Wait until the peppers turn from green to their namesake rich chocolate color, a sign they've reached peak ripeness and flavor, typically about 70-90 days from transplanting. Gently hold the pepper and cut it from the plant with sharp scissors or a knife to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit. Store your harvested peppers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp.

About Chocolate Beauty Pepper Garden Seeds

Chocolate Beauty pepper seeds will grow plants up to 36" tall and produce 3-1/2" x 4" bell-type fruit. These heirloom fruits are one of the sweetest peppers available.

The unique and rich coloring and sweet flavor of Chocolate Beauty peppers makes them very appealing to gourmet chefs and home cooks alike. These heirloom favorites are great for stuffing, eating fresh, and cooking. Use them as garnish, in salads, or as a topping on pizza.

There’s no need to worry about wearing gloves with these peppers, they do not contain any capsaicin.

These peppers are not just about looks and taste; they're also packed with vitamins A and C, along with fiber and antioxidants. Their thick flesh also makes them ideal for grilling or roasting, as they hold up well to heat and develop a rich, sweet flavor when cooked.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"The ‘chocolate’ color talked about here is really like a greenish-red color, not a true brown. Experiment with harvesting them at different stages to discover how the flavor changes."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Scoville Heat Scale

Chocolate Beauty Pepper Seeds Per Package:

• 250mg - Packet- Approximately 35 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

Non-GMO Chocolate Beauty Pepper seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.