Dharaseeds
Sweet Pepper Seeds - Mini Bell Blend
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
The Mini Bell Blend is a delightful collection of compact, colorful bell peppers that offer all the flavor of traditional bell peppers but in a smaller, more manageable size. These tiny peppers are perfect for snacking, grilling, stuffing, or adding to salads and salsas. With a variety of colors ranging from red and yellow to orange, the Mini Bell Blend not only adds a burst of color to your garden but also provides a sweet and mild flavor that will elevate your culinary creations. Perfect for small garden spaces or container gardening, this blend is ideal for gardeners looking for a high-yielding, space-efficient pepper variety.
Key Benefits
- Compact Size: Smaller peppers make them perfect for snacking, stuffing, and serving as appetizers.
- Sweet, Mild Flavor: Offers the same sweet flavor as larger bell peppers, with a less intense heat profile.
- Vibrant Colors: Features a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers, adding beauty and visual appeal to your garden and dishes.
- High Yield: Produces a bountiful crop of small peppers, perfect for harvesting over time.
- Ideal for Small Spaces: Compact growth habit makes them perfect for container gardening and small garden plots.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants typically grow 12–18 inches tall, making them ideal for smaller spaces or containers.
- Flavor Profile: Mild and sweet with a crunchy texture, perfect for fresh eating.
- Growth Habit: The peppers grow upright on sturdy plants and ripen from green to red, yellow, and orange.
- Size: Mini Bell peppers are about 1–2 inches in diameter, offering a bite-sized treat that packs a lot of flavor.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
- Ideal growing temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but be sure not to overwater. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.
- Water consistently to prevent the soil from drying out, especially during the fruit-setting stage.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and once again when the plants begin to flower.
- Be cautious not to over-fertilize with nitrogen, as it can lead to excess leafy growth rather than fruit production.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly weed around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, keep the soil cool, and suppress weeds.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch out for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: Bell peppers are prone to fungal diseases and aphid-transmitted viruses. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and practice crop rotation to minimize disease risk.
Harvesting
Maturity
- Mini Bell peppers typically reach maturity in 60–75 days from transplanting.
- Harvest when the peppers are fully developed and show their mature color, whether that be red, yellow, or orange. For a milder flavor, pick while they are still green.
Method
- Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to the fruit.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
- Long-Term: Mini Bell peppers can be frozen for long-term storage. To freeze, blanch the peppers for 2 minutes, then store them in freezer bags.
Culinary Uses
- Stuffed Peppers: These small peppers are perfect for stuffing with grains, cheese, or meats for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
- Fresh Salads: Slice and add to salads for a colorful, crunchy bite.
- Salsas and Dips: Add a pop of color and sweetness to homemade salsas and dips.
- Grilled or Roasted: Mini Bell peppers are perfect for grilling or roasting, adding a smoky flavor to dishes.
- Snacking: These peppers are great for snacking, either raw or dipped in your favorite sauces.
Conclusion
Sweet Pepper Seeds – Mini Bell Blend offers a compact and colorful variety that’s perfect for gardeners with limited space or those looking for a smaller, more manageable pepper. With their sweet flavor, vibrant colors, and versatility in the kitchen, these mini peppers are sure to enhance your garden and your meals. Whether used in salads, stuffed, or enjoyed as a snack, the Mini Bell Blend will delight both gardeners and food enthusiasts alike.