Description
Sweet or Bell Peppers are called green peppers because of their green fruit that usually turns red when fully mature. There are also yellow, purple, chocolate brown, red and orange varieties.
Sweet Bell Peppers are warm season plants that thrive in the South African summer garden, producing colourful, crunchy fruit over a long harvesting season. In subtropical regions they can be grown almost year-round, while in colder winter regions they should be planted out once all danger of frost has passed.
Peppers generally start producing fruit about 11 weeks after transplanting and will continue cropping for many months if harvested regularly. Pick the peppers as soon as they are large enough by cutting them off with a sharp knife. Leaving mature fruit on the plant for too long can slow down flowering and reduce further production.
In the Kitchen
Peppers are used cooked or raw in many dishes and can be pickled The two main types that are grown in the home garden are the bell or “sweet peppers” and the hot or “chilli peppers” which can be dried and are essential in curries and other spicy dishes; cayenne pepper and paprika are made from these varieties.
Cultivation & Harvesting
Peppers grow best in warm, sunny positions with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. In humid regions fungal diseases can become problematic during summer, while in colder areas the growing season is shorter, making early planting important.
For best results:
- Prepare beds thoroughly with plenty of compost and well-rotted manure.
- Add an organic fertiliser such as 2:3:2 before planting.
- The ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Space seedlings 40 to 50cm apart in full sun.
- Water regularly and never allow plants to dry out completely.
- Once flowering starts, feed every 4 weeks with a balanced fertiliser high in potassium, such as 3:1:5.
Very hot, dry weather can sometimes cause poor flowering and bud drop. Mulching well, watering consistently, and lightly spraying the foliage with water during extreme heat can help reduce stress on the plants.
In the Garden
Sweet peppers and chillies are not only productive but also highly ornamental, adding vibrant colour to vegetable beds, containers, and mixed borders. Combine them with flowering annuals and herbs for a beautiful edible display.
They grow wonderfully alongside:
- Parsley
- Sage
- Swiss Chard ‘Bright Lights’
- Alyssum
- Marigolds
- Salvia
- Lobelia
Experiment with bold colour combinations to create a striking summer garden filled with flowers, foliage, and fruit.
Health Benefits
If allowed to ripen fully on the plant, peppers become especially rich in vitamins A and C. Chillies contain capsaicin, concentrated mainly in the white inner membranes, which is known to:
- Improve circulation
- Help clear the lungs
- Act as a natural anti-inflammatory
- Provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers
- Stimulate the release of endorphins, creating a natural mood boost
Red chillies are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while yellow varieties contain high levels of beta-carotene which helps neutralise harmful free radicals. Peppers are also valued for their antioxidant properties and digestive benefits.
