Q&A for How to Grow Green Bell Peppers

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I store green peppers for longer periods of time?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    To store them longer, dice up your clean peppers, seal them in airtight containers, and place them in the freezer. You could also make pepper jelly or hot sauce to preserve the harvest.
  • Question
    Our peppers don't seem to be growing past 1.5 inches long. Is there such a thing as miniature green bell peppers? We are growing them in a Topsy Turvy planter. Is that okay?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    If plants are in less-than-ideal conditions, sometimes you will get smaller fruit. Check the quality of the soil, amount of sunlight, and the amount of water the plant is getting to see what might be holding it back.
  • Question
    Can I grow peppers or any other vegetables on a balcony?
    Community Answer
    I don't see why not! As long as the peppers have healthy soil, water, sunlight and a big enough planter, you can grow them just about anywhere.
  • Question
    Do new peppers continue to grow after all visible peppers have been harvested?
    L.B
    Community Answer
    Yes, provided you do not kill the plant when harvesting and harvest all ripe peppers, new peppers should keep forming.
  • Question
    Why is a part of the pepper dried or sun scorched?
    Community Answer
    It's a sign of a disease, or it may require watering and adding some compost matter.
  • Question
    How large do green peppers grow?
    Community Answer
    Most healthy green bell peppers will grow 4-6 inches long and about 3-4 inches in diameter.
  • Question
    How can I grow bigger peppers?
    L.B
    Community Answer
    Give them more sun exposure, ensure they are only exposed to warm temperatures, use organic fertilizer, and water on a regular basis.
  • Question
    What veggies do green peppers like to grow with?
    Community Answer
    Try growing green peppers near tomatoes, carrots, basil and parsley.
  • Question
    My pepper plants are not blooming? Should I add fertilizer?
    Community Answer
    Try mixing in some mulch or compost first, and water the plants liberally. Make sure the temperature outside is high enough to be conducive to growth. If the peppers still aren't growing, give a mild sulfur-rich, low-nitrogen fertilizer a shot. Use sparingly, though: a teaspoon or so at a time should be more than enough.
  • Question
    What does it mean when peppers leaves turn yellow with green veins?
    Community Answer
    Peppers and their foliage often go through a metamorphosis of color as they develop. A wide range of color changes is normal. If the peppers or leaves start to turn brown or look dried out, the heat may be too intense or they may not be getting enough water.
  • Question
    Can I plant green peppers in my hothouse?
    Community Answer
    Sure! As long as the plants are getting plenty of water and you don't let them get too hot. If the plant's leaves start to droop, the heat may be too much for them.
  • Question
    Can I use lemon juice to grow larger green peppers?
    Community Answer
    There's no credible research to show that citrus juice helps vegetable plants grow. Stick to compost and a mild fertilizer early in the growing season.
  • Question
    Is it okay to water peppers in the morning and in the evening?
    Community Answer
    It's usually not necessary to water green peppers twice a day, unless you're growing them in a particularly hot, dry climate. Water them once a day around midday. Use enough water to thoroughly wet the soil, but don't drown them.
  • Question
    How do you grow pepper plants indoors?
    Community Answer
    Simply transplant the peppers to a larger planter once they begin to grow large, and keep them near a door or window where they can get abundant sunlight. One advantage of growing plants inside is that you have more control of the temperature; just make sure you're watering and keeping the soil hospitable with compost or mild fertilizer.
  • Question
    What causes the fruit to go rotten on the bottom?
    Community Answer
    It may be blossom end rot. Often when the plant goes through a prolonged dry spell, an intense, rapid watering flushes much-needed calcium out of the plant. Try watering more often. We use Epsom salts in the beds to add more calcium. Egg shells work as well, and they are free.
  • Question
    Do peppers grow during the winter season?
    Community Answer
    No. Peppers are hot-weather vegetables, and need heat, moisture and sunlight in order to grow. Start growing seedlings 8-10 weeks before it starts to warm up in early spring, and make sure you've harvested all peppers before it starts to frost again in the fall.
  • Question
    Why did the lower leaves of the plant disappear?
    Community Answer
    This could be a sign of a blight or disease, or animals might be grazing on the plant's lower foliage.
  • Question
    Are green peppers perennials?
    Community Answer
    Not even a little bit. Green peppers need temperate heat and sunlight to thrive. Pepper plants don't fare well in cold weather, and will die off completely in the winter months. Get those seedlings planted by early spring, and harvest the peppers before the first frost of fall.
  • Question
    How many fruits does one mature green pepper plant produce?
    Community Answer
    The average bell pepper plant produces 6-8 peppers. They can, however, produce as few as 1 or as many as 15.
  • Question
    I purchased a green pepper "bush" and transplanted it in a sunny spot. The peppers are about 2" long, dark green, with slight red/brown on the top and very hard. What are the causes of this type of product? What type is expected?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    It sounds like maybe you accidentally purchased an ornamental pepper bush rather than an edible pepper bush. Try heading back to where you purchased it and ask.
  • Question
    What can I use as a substitute for lime and eggshells?
    Community Answer
    I use about 1/4 cup of powdered milk mixed in the bottom of the planting hole. I do this with tomatoes as well. I've had no issues with blossom rot since I started doing this.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article