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Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Bell Peppers

Gardening Guide: Beautiful Bell Peppers

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Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Bell Peppers

By Norann Oleson

Young bell peppers growing in the sun

Young bell peppers growing in the sun

Bell peppers like a full day of sun—preferably at least six hours of direct sunlight.

The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soil is best. Do your bell peppers a favor and be sure to mix in some aged compost before you plant them. And be sure to add a little starter fertilizer when you transplant your seedlings, or once you’ve thinned out your direct-sown plants.

In general, bell peppers prefer a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8, although you may see some varieties with slightly different requirements; always check your seed packet, seedling information, or ask for details at your local garden center or extension center.

One of your annual gardening tasks should be to get your soil tested. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and aggravation, and your plants will thank you by growing instead of languishing. Your local extension center will have information on how to get your soil tested. For a little bit of preparation work, you can get a lot of information about the composition of your soil.

Bell peppers like it hot, so be patient if you’re nurturing seedlings indoors, and don’t direct sow seeds too early; you’ll just be disappointed. If you’re in a temperate gardening zone, wait to plant or transplant bell peppers until after the last frost. If you live in a region that’s frost-free, you have much more flexibility. Plant or transplant when the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees F.

How do you grow your bell peppers—direct sow or transplants? Have you had your soil tested or do you do it yourself? Please tell us your tips and tricks for growing great bell peppers.

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Tags

fertilizer, peppers, starter fertilizer

Comments
  • Kathey S. June 10, 2022

    Direct sun?

    Reply
    • Amanda M. May 23, 2023

      They enjoy at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. 🙂

      Reply

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Growing Zones for Bell Peppers
  • Types of Bell Peppers
  • Growing Bell Peppers from Seeds or Seedlings
  • Sun and Soil Requirements for Growing Bell Peppers
  • Planting Bell Peppers in the Ground or in Raised Beds
  • Growing Bell Peppers in Containers
  • Watering, Weeding, and Fertilizing your Bell Pepper Plants
  • Harvesting your Bell Peppers
  • Storing and Preserving your Bell Peppers
  • Dealing with Bell Pepper Diseases
  • Dealing with Bell Pepper Pests
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Bell Peppers
  • When to Harvest Bell Peppers at Peak Flavor
  • When to Pick Bell Peppers
  • Plant Profiles

  • Alma Paprika Pepper
  • Feher Ozon Pepper
  • Hungarian Magyar Pepper
  • Islander Bell Peppers
  • Chocolate Beauty Bell Peppers
  • Snowball Bell Peppers
  • Yankee Bell Peppers
  • Cupid & Eros Bell Peppers
  • Lunchbox Peppers
  • Classic Bell Peppers
  • Ace Bell Peppers
  • Recipes

  • Paprika Chicken Tacos
  • Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
  • Paprika Avocado Toast
  • Roasted Paprika Potatoes
  • Paprika Pesto Pasta
  • Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
  • Chicken Salad with Bell Pepper Crunch
  • Rainbow Bell Pepper Hummus Boats
  • Quick Pickled Bell Peppers
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Bell Peppers
  • Health Benefits and Home Remedies of Bell Peppers
  • Resources about Bell Peppers
  • Bell Peppers Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • How to Grow the Most Flavorful Bell Peppers
  • Keeping Your Bell Peppers Sweet By Avoiding Cross-Pollination

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