Orange Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
vegetableA bright orange bell pepper that is the sweetest of all the bell colors, with a rich, fruity sweetness and virtually no bitterness. Orange bells take the same time to ripen as red bells (85 to 95 days) and are equally productive. Beautiful raw in salads and on crudite platters, and excellent roasted. High in beta-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid linked to lung health.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~90 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
18-24 in
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Planting Depth
1/4 in seed; transplant to first true leaf
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Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; side-dress with compost at flowering
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer at transplant; potassium-rich formula once fruiting
🌱 Growing Guide
Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil warms and nights stay reliably above 55 F. Orange bells require the full season to develop color — they start green and slowly transition. Provide a stake or cage to support heavy fruit loads. Consistent watering prevents blossom drop and blossom end rot. Full sun is essential for both productivity and sweetness.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jul 28
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Basil — Repels aphids and spider mites from pepper plants
- Tomato — Compatible bed companion with similar growing needs
- Carrot — Compatible root depths; loosens soil near peppers
- Marigold — Nematode suppression and beetle deterrence
❌ Keep away from
FennelBrassicas
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Water spray; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch
Avoid temperatures above 90 F or below 55 F during flowering; consistent watering
Do not over-prune foliage; provide slight afternoon shade in very hot climates
Destroy infested fruit; rotate crops annually
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest when fully orange and glossy. Fruit left on the plant past peak color will soften and lose crispness. Snap off with a twist or cut with shears. Refrigerate and use within 1 week. Orange peppers freeze well — dice and freeze on a sheet pan before bagging.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Very high in vitamin C, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and vitamin B6. Beta-cryptoxanthin is specifically studied for lung health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.