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.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~90 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
18-24 in
Planting Depth
1/4 in seed; transplant to first true leaf
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
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
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.
Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 28
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
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 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.
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.