Purple Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum 'Purple Beauty'
vegetableA striking dark purple bell pepper — deep violet-black skin with crisp green flesh inside. The purple color comes from anthocyanins and fades to green when cooked, so use raw for maximum visual impact. Flavor is slightly more complex than standard green bell peppers. One of the most ornamental bell peppers in the garden, beautiful in container plantings.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~75 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 first flower
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer at transplant; potassium-rich formula once fruiting
🌱 Growing Guide
Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Transplant into warm soil. Purple Beauty ripens faster than red or yellow bells — about 70 to 75 days from transplant. Full sun produces the deepest purple color; shaded plants produce greener skin. Plants are compact and productive. Consistent watering prevents blossom drop. The skin color peaks at full purple and then transitions to red if left on the plant.
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 13
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 thrips and whiteflies; beautiful color combination in ornamental beds
- Tomato — Compatible warm-season companion
- Marigold — Deters beetles and nematodes
- Carrot — Loosens soil near pepper roots; compatible root zone
❌ 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 blast; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch deters arrivals
Row cover early season; diatomaceous earth
Do not over-prune foliage; provide slight shade in very intense heat climates
Consistent watering; avoid temperatures above 90 F or below 55 F during flowering
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest at full deep purple color when the skin is glossy and firm. Fruit at this stage is crisp with full flavor. Use raw immediately for the best color — cooking turns the flesh green. Excellent in salads and crudite arrangements for visual impact. Refrigerate and use within 1 week.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Contains high levels of anthocyanins (the purple pigment) in addition to the vitamin C and B6 found in all bell peppers. Anthocyanins are associated with cardiovascular and cognitive health. Higher antioxidant content than green bells due to the additional pigment compounds.
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.