We’ve been passionate gardeners for years, growing a variety of bell peppers that have graced our plates with their vibrant colors. But as beginners, we wished we had a comprehensive understanding of the bell pepper plant growth stages. Fear not, for in this article, we will walk you through the key milestones in the growth of sweet bell peppers, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
Bell pepper plant growing stages.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bell pepper plant growth and uncover the secrets of nurturing these beauties. Before we embark on this journey, remember that the growth duration may vary depending on the specific bell pepper variety and growing conditions. Now, let’s begin!
Seedling Stage (Weeks 1-4)
Every bell pepper starts as a tiny seedling. This stage commences as soon as the seed sprouts and continues for about 2-4 weeks. During this early phase of growth, pepper plants progress slowly. However, they crave lots of light, ideally up to 16 hours per day. Take care, as pepper seedlings are delicate and require proper nurturing.
If you’ve used a seed starter mix, you may need to fertilize your seedlings after the first week of growth. We recommend using a water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer at 1/4-1/2 the recommended concentration. Keep in mind that bell peppers tend to grow tall in their earliest stages. To strengthen the young stems, we use a small fan to provide a gentle breeze.
Bell pepper seedlings.
Early Growth Stage (Weeks 4-6)
As the bell pepper plant continues to grow, it primarily produces leaves and branches. This early stage is vital for establishing a solid foundation. The plant focuses on becoming large and bushy, laying the groundwork for future fruit production.
Now, here’s an interesting tip: many gardeners prune their peppers, but we’ve discovered that it isn’t particularly beneficial for bell peppers. So, my advice is to skip pruning your bell pepper plants!
Young bell pepper plant.
Maturation Stage (Weeks 6-8)
After transplanting bell peppers into a larger container or the ground outdoors, they begin to mature in size. This crucial phase can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks or longer, depending on growing conditions.
How tall can bell peppers grow? Most bell pepper plants reach a mature height of 3-4 feet. However, there are variations among different varieties, and specific techniques can result in plants that soar to 10′ or taller!
Pepper plants maturing in the garden.
Flowering Stage (Weeks 8-10)
As the plant continues its journey, it enters the flowering stage. Colorful flowers begin to adorn the stems, marking the beginning of the reproductive phase. Here’s the beauty of bell peppers: they are self-fertile, meaning each flower can pollinate itself. Growing bell peppers is a breeze, even if you have just one plant.
We recommend allowing flowers to grow and mature for at least 2-3 weeks after placing your plants outdoors in spring. This gives them time to establish roots and settle into their new home, be it in the ground or in large pots.
Please note that once your plants start to flower, it’s best to reduce the amount of nitrogen you feed them. Excessive nitrogen can lead to flower drop or lower fruit production.
Pepper flowers opening up.
Fruiting Stage (Weeks 10-14)
Shortly after flowers bloom, tiny bell peppers begin to form. Not every flower will develop into a pepper, and that’s completely normal. With sufficient sunlight and nutrients, bell peppers grow rapidly once the fruits start to take shape. You’ll notice growth every day or two until the peppers reach their mature size.
How many bell peppers can a plant produce? While results can vary significantly based on growing conditions, most bell pepper plants can yield 8-12 peppers per plant. A longer growing season, ample sunlight, fertile soil, and regular harvesting can all contribute to higher yields.
Green bell peppers forming on the plant.
Ripening Stage (Weeks 14+)
Here’s a little-known fact: green bell peppers eventually turn red. In fact, red bell peppers are simply ripe forms of green bells. If you savor the flavor of red bell peppers like I do, you can leave your green bells on the plant for a few extra weeks to allow them to ripen. Typically, bell peppers transform from bright green to a darker shade, ultimately turning bright red.
Bear in mind that waiting for bell peppers to ripen exposes them to pests and diseases for a longer duration. While I prefer harvesting when fully ripe, bell peppers are edible at any stage of ripeness.
Watching bell peppers go through their growth stages is truly magical. It’s incredible how a tiny seed from a bell pepper can give birth to dozens more. So, grab your gardening tools and embark on this enchanting journey of nurturing bell pepper plants from seedlings to ripe fruits that will grace your meals!
