Yellow Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
vegetableA bright yellow bell pepper that ripens from green to sunshine yellow. Slightly sweeter than green or orange bells with a mild, fruity flavor and thick walls. Popular raw in salads, on veggie platters, and in stir-fry dishes. Very similar in culture to the red bell pepper.
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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 into warm soil after nighttime temperatures stay above 55 F. Yellow bells take 85 to 100 days from transplant to full yellow ripeness; if harvested green they will not develop full sweetness. Provide a stake or cage because plants can lean under fruit weight. Water regularly and avoid drought stress, which causes fruit drop.
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
- Tomato — Similar water and fertility needs; good bed companions
- Carrot — Breaks up soil near roots
- Marigold — Suppresses nematodes and deters beetles
❌ 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 to dislodge; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch
Row cover early in season; diatomaceous earth around base
Avoid temps above 90 F or below 55 F during flowering; consistent watering
Provide slight afternoon shade in very hot climates; do not over-prune leaves
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest when fully yellow and glossy. Fruit left on the plant past peak yellow will soften and eventually turn orange-red. Peppers snap off cleanly with a twist. Refrigerate and use within 1 week of harvest.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Very high in vitamin C (even more than red bells at peak ripeness), vitamin B6, and folate. Good source of antioxidants including beta-carotene.
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.