Things You'll Need:
- Bell pepper seeds or seedlings
- Seed trays or small pots
- Potting soil
- 12- to 16-inch pots
- Phosphorous-rich fertilizer
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Step 1
Start bell pepper seeds in small seed trays or three-inch pots filled with loose potting soil. Seeds should be started in late winter. Newly-planted seeds should be given plenty of warmth and light--use a grow lamp if at all possible. If you choose to purchase seedlings, pick short, tough plants with plenty of leaves. Stay away from plants with premature fruit already on them.
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Step 2
Move your seedlings to larger pots when outdoor night temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis. Set them outdoors where they will receive plenty of sun. Move your pots around during the day to ensure that they are in the warmest, sunniest spot possible. However, bring them under cover if there is risk of heavy rain or high winds.
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Step 3
Water consistently, keeping the soil uniformly moist. Alternating between dry and wet will damage your plants. Fertilize regularly with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
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Step 4
Keep aphids and other bugs away from your bell peppers by spraying the leaves with a mixture of soap and water, or diluted cayenne pepper sauce. Blossom rot can be prevented by careful watering.
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Step 5
Harvest your bell peppers green if you like, or wait until they completely turn color--yellow, orange or red. Green peppers are ready to harvest as soon as they reach full size.
