Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Also known as: capsicum, sweet pepper
Sweet-fruited warm-season pepper available in green, red, yellow, and orange. Needs long warm season for full color.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
8–10 weeks before last frost
Transplant Outdoors
2–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
7–14 days
Days to Harvest
60–90 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Needs warm soil and air temps above 60°F. Frost sensitive.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (7)
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips from peppers
Confidence: High
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Repels aphids and whiteflies; suppresses nematodes
Confidence: Medium
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop for aphids near peppers
Confidence: Medium
Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Compatible root depths; carrots do not compete with peppers
Confidence: Medium
Onion
Allium cepa
Allium scent deters aphids from pepper plants
Confidence: Medium
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Low ground cover retains soil moisture for peppers
Confidence: Medium
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Similar growing needs; share pest-deterrent herb companions
Confidence: Medium