We love bell peppers for their versatility. We add them to sweet and savory dishes or stuff them with our favorite fillings.
There’s nothing better than having them in your edible garden, so you’re only a few steps away from cooking your signature bell pepper dish. But one factor to consider is how tall they grow.
Read on to learn more about bell pepper plant sizes and how to accommodate them in your garden.
How big do bell peppers get?
Most bell pepper plants reach a size of 3 to 4 feet. The main factors affecting the measurement are the plant’s specific variety and the quality of care given to them.
For example, the Big Bertha variety can grow up to 5 feet in size, while the Pinot Noir Sweet Bell pepper can reach a height of 18-24 inches.
Because of the size of bell peppers and some of its plant varieties, it is preferable to use cages for additional plant support. These cages prevent them from becoming top-heavy, causing them to fall over and keeping the fruits off the ground to avoid rotting.
How long does it take for bell peppers to grow and ripen?
It takes 60 to 90 days for bell peppers to grow and ripen, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
It’s best if they get plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and are planted in fertile and loose soil.
Bell peppers grow better in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter like compost or manure helps create more nutritious soil.
As they grow taller, they will need support such as a stake, tomato cage, or trellis to stop them from falling over. So, with the proper amount and quality of care, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of big bell peppers all season long!
Factors That Affect Bell Pepper Plant Height
Bell pepper plant height is primarily affected by the watering and fertilizer they get.
Read on to know how these factors affect bell pepper plant height.
1. Watering
Generally, it’s best to water bell pepper plants deeply and infrequently to encourage their roots to grow deep into the soil, making them more drought-tolerant. Water them once a week or more often during hot weather.
Bell peppers are warm-season crops that need consistent watering. So, when bell pepper plants don’t receive enough water, they experience stress, leading to stunted growth and reduced height.
Bell pepper plants that grow under water stress are significantly shorter by 20% in height, with fewer leaves and flowers on the plants.
2. Fertilizing
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth; bell pepper plants love it. When bell pepper plants get enough nitrogen, they produce more leaves and stems and grow into taller plants.
However, if bell pepper plants are given too much nitrogen, they produce more foliage and fewer flowers and fruits. This can lead to top-heavy plants and more likely to fall over, so balance is still crucial.
It’s essential to fertilize bell pepper plants regularly, but using the right amount of fertilizer is also important. To be safe, make sure to fertilize your bell pepper plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
How tall do bell pepper plants need to be before transplanting?
Pepper plants usually stand at 12 to 18 inches tall before they are ready for planting. This, however, is dependent on the plant variety and the climate.
Most of them need at least 18 inches of distance between one another to grow and bear fruit. If pots are to be used in planting, ensure they are at least 18 inches deep and have adequate holes for drainage.
How tall do bell pepper plants grow in pots?
Bell pepper plants grow taller in the ground but can also grow adequately if planted in a pot. Most reach between 12 and 18 inches tall but vary slightly depending on the variety.
They can go as high as 35 to 45 inches tall if planted in the ground. Growing in pots is just a convenient alternative if space limitations exist.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Growing Bell Peppers in Pots
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Better mobility | Frequent watering |
| Reduces weeding | Smaller yield |
| Ornamental plant |
One of the most notable benefits of growing bell peppers in pots is their mobility; they are much easier to relocate should there be a more conducive environment for them to grow in.
The confined root system also eliminates the need for weeding, and there is a certain visual appeal to having the plants around in pots.
However, there is also a constant need to water the plants frequently since there is limited soil. Fruit yield may also be lower compared to peppers grown in the ground.
Starting pot planting for bell peppers is relatively easy and cheap, so it is a good hobby for home gardeners to try.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Growing Bell Peppers in the Ground
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| More access to nutrients | Susceptibility to pests and diseases |
| Higher yield | Higher maintenance cost |
| Drought-tolerant |
For bell peppers grown in the ground, there is a much larger area of nutrients readily available and accessible to the plant.
Fruit yield is higher than their potted counterparts, and their interaction with the natural environment confers enhanced resistance to usual pests and diseases afflicting plants.
However, more dedication is required to maintain moisture in this technique and consistently monitor for pests and diseases.
It is also heavily influenced by climate and soil quality, which can compromise the plant if not adequately considered.
Ideal Containers for Growing Bell Peppers
The ideal container for bell pepper plants should carry at least 3 gallons of soil to have ample space for their roots to grow.
Although you can start with seed trays, which provide an ideal environment for germination, eventually, you’ll have to transfer your bell pepper plants into containers.
Sturdy containers are suitable for bottom-watering indoor plants to maintain adequate moisture and prevent disease.
Do bell pepper plants need a trellis?
Bell pepper plants do not need a trellis, but it can benefit from its use as it helps prevent the plant from falling over, improves air circulation, and makes it easier to harvest the peppers.
Although not required, this can provide a vertical frame for the plants to stay organized and facilitate an easier harvest when the time comes. This will also help prevent the branches from breaking once the plants have borne fruit.
Trellises can either be purchased or constructed on your own. Just ensure that it is tall and sturdy enough for your plants. Soft ties should be used when tying the plants to the trellis to avoid breaking their stems.
FAQs
It takes about four to five months for bell peppers to reach their full height.
Once they reach their full height, they will start producing bell peppers.
The diameter and length of each pepper must be at least 3 inches and three and a half inches, respectively.
Sweet bell peppers have a long growing season, lasting 60 to 90 days. It takes them about 75 days from planting to achieve maturity and produce peppers for the next several weeks.
