🍽 Overview
Crop: Bell Peppers
Common Varieties in OK: ‘California Wonder’, ‘Big Bertha’, ‘Purple Beauty’, ‘Red Knight’
Planting Season: After danger of frost (late April–May); start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity: 60–90 days depending on variety and color stage
🎨 Trait Legend
Trait Symbol Meaning
🟨 Warm-season Needs heat to thrive and ripen
🫑 Fruiting crop Grows firm, hollow fruit in various colors
🟩 Full sun Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
🧱 Slow starter Grows slowly early on, speeds up in heat
📏 Spacing & Soil
Row Spacing: 24–36 inches
Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches
Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained, pH 6.2–7.0
Fertilizer: Start with high-phosphorus (starter mix), then switch to balanced 10-10-10 or similar
🌱 Cultivars We Recommend
‘California Wonder’ 🟨🫑🧱
Classic green-to-red bell. Reliable producer.
‘Big Bertha’ 🟨🫑🧱
Extra-large fruits. Thick walls, great for stuffing.
‘Purple Beauty’ 🟨🫑🧱
Unique deep-purple fruit. Mild and sweet.
‘Red Knight’ 🟨🫑🧱
Heavy yields of bright red fruit. Early maturity.
🧠 Tips
Peppers may stall in cool temps — wait until soil is warm
Support with small stakes or cages to prevent wind breakage
Harvest green for faster yields; let ripen for color & sweetness
Water consistently to avoid blossom end rot
Mulch helps retain warmth and reduce weeds