Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum | Non-GMO)
A warm-season vegetable prized for its glossy, thick-walled fruits, sweet mild flavour, and colourful range of green, red, yellow, and orange. Bell peppers are excellent for salads, stir-fries, stuffing, roasting, and fresh market sales, making them ideal for both home gardens and commercial production.
Days to first harvest: 60-90 days from transplanting for green fruits; an extra 2-3 weeks for fruits to fully ripen to red, yellow, or orange
Optimal temperature: 21°C-29°C – thrives in Zambia’s warm climate; growth slows below 15°C and fruit set drops above 32°C
Lifespan: In warm conditions, plants can continue producing for several months with proper care and staking
Sunlight: Full sun, minimum 6-8 hours daily
Soil: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 45-60 cm between plants, with rows 60-90 cm apart
Plants produce upright, bushy growth carrying blocky, well-shaped fruits. Harvest green fruits once they reach full size and feel firm, or leave them on the plant to ripen into their final colour for a sweeter flavour. Frequent picking encourages continuous flowering and higher yields. Staking or light trellising is recommended, as heavy fruit clusters can break unsupported branches.
Yields will vary depending on soil quality, rainfall, irrigation, pest control (especially against aphids, thrips, and fruit-borers), and overall farm management practices.
