How to Grow and Care for Bonnie Green Bell Pepper

The Bonnie Green Bell Pepper is a popular choice for home gardeners, valued for its high productivity and reliability. Starting with a young plant, often called a starter plant, can give gardeners a significant head start compared to growing from seed. This variety consistently produces large, sweet green peppers, making it a rewarding vegetable for both new and experienced gardeners. The appeal lies in enjoying fresh fruit straight from the garden, perfect for slicing, stuffing, or freezing.

Planting Instructions

Bell pepper plants require a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. As a warm-weather crop, wait to plant them outside until after the last frost has passed and the weather is consistently warm. A location with good air circulation that is also protected from strong winds will benefit the plant’s development.

Peppers thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting in a garden bed, amend the native soil by mixing in several inches of compost. This improves soil structure and helps it retain the consistent moisture pepper plants need. For those planting in containers, a large pot with a minimum size of five gallons is recommended. Use a quality potting mix designed for containers, as garden soil can become too compacted.

If planting multiple peppers in a garden bed, space them 18 to 24 inches apart to give them enough room to mature. To plant the pepper, gently remove it from its original pot and place it in a pre-dug hole that is the same depth as its root ball. Unlike tomatoes, peppers should not be planted more deeply, as this can cause the stem to rot. After placing the plant, backfill the hole with soil, pat it gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to help the roots settle.

Ongoing Plant Care

Consistent moisture is a requirement for a productive pepper plant. Water the plants deeply, aiming for one to two inches of water per week, and check the soil regularly. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water again. Plants grown in containers dry out more quickly than those in garden beds and will require more frequent watering, especially on warm days.

A month after planting, once the plant is established and begins to produce fruit, start a regular feeding schedule. Applying a balanced, all-purpose vegetable fertilizer every few weeks will support healthy growth. Follow the application rates on the fertilizer label, as over-fertilizing can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.

As the pepper plant grows and bears fruit, its branches can become heavy and require support to prevent them from breaking. A simple wooden stake can be used, with the plant loosely tied to it as it grows. Another method is to place a small tomato cage around the young plant, which will provide support as the plant matures.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Blossom end rot appears as a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the pepper. This is not a disease but a physiological issue caused by a calcium deficiency. The deficiency is most often linked to inconsistent watering, which disrupts the plant’s ability to transport calcium. The most effective solution is to maintain even soil moisture, especially as the fruits are forming.

Aphids are a common pest that can affect pepper plants, often found clustered on the undersides of leaves or on new stems. For a mild infestation, a strong spray of water from a hose is often enough to dislodge them. If the pests persist, applying an insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution can help manage their numbers.

A pepper plant may occasionally drop its flowers before they turn into fruit. This issue is frequently linked to temperature stress when it becomes too hot or cold for the plant to set fruit. Poor pollination can also be a cause, but flower drop is often temporary and the plant will resume producing fruit once conditions become more favorable.

Harvesting Green Bell Peppers

Peppers are ready for harvest when they reach a full size of about three to four inches long, feel firm, and have smooth, glossy skin. This can vary by specific type. Harvesting them at this mature green stage provides the classic, slightly bitter bell pepper taste.

To harvest the peppers, use a pair of pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut the pepper from the plant, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Pulling the peppers off by hand is not recommended, as this can damage the branch it was growing on. Proper harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing more peppers.

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can leave the peppers on the vine to ripen further. As they mature, green bell peppers will change color to red, yellow, or orange, depending on the variety. This color change also brings an increase in vitamin content and a sweeter taste.