Big Bell

Family: Solanaceae Sweet Pepper

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Big Bell to a garden.

Sun-warmed and glossy, Big Bell peppers ripen into bold, blocky bells with a satisfying sweetness and a crisp, juicy bite.

Their thick, smooth walls hold flavor beautifully whether you enjoy them fresh for bright crunch or roast them for deep, caramel-kissed richness. A dependable 85-day performer, Big Bell is a standout for gardeners seeking large, showy peppers that shine in salads, salsas, and vibrant pickled preserves.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Upright

Location not set yet

Enter your ZIP for local crop dates

Big Bell Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 6th	Jul 20th	Oct 13th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 3rd – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 3rd – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 31st	Jul 14th	Oct 7th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 3rd – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 25th	Jul 8th	Oct 1st – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 20th	Jul 3rd	Sep 26th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 16th	Jun 29th	Sep 22nd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 13th	Jun 26th	Sep 19th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 7th	Jun 20th	Sep 13th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 2nd	Jun 15th	Sep 8th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 20th	Jun 5th	Aug 29th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 11th	May 27th	Aug 20th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 2nd	May 18th	Aug 11th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 16th	May 1st	Jul 25th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 22nd	Apr 6th	Jun 30th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Big Bell’s thick, blocky walls give you a sweet pepper that stays crisp under chopping—great when you want crunch without turning watery. Roast or char it and those thick skins melt into caramel-kissed edges that cling to oil and spices instead of falling apart.

Best Uses

raw, thick-sliced crunch in grain bowls and sturdy salads
high-flavor roasting and blistering for sheet-pan char and smoky sweetness
quick-pickled strips for bright acid snap and glossy color
thick salsa or chunky relish where the walls stay intact

Flavor Profile

sweet, sun-warmed flavor crisp, juicy snap with thick smooth walls roasty, caramel-kissed notes when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

lime smoked paprika garlic olive oil cheddar chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease problem for Capsicum annuum (Big Bell), and how can I manage it?

Watch for aphids and spider mites, especially during warm, dry spells; they cluster on new growth and can cause leaf stippling or curling. Spray plants with a strong jet of water first, then use insecticidal soap (focus on leaf undersides) and repeat every 5–7 days until numbers drop. Also keep foliage dry and space plants well to reduce fungal leaf spots, removing heavily affected leaves early.

How often should I water Big Bell peppers during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week total, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply to soak the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent blossom-end rot. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, which peppers need to avoid stress-related flower drop.

How do I tell when Big Bell peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest bell peppers when they’ve reached full size and the skin is glossy, firm, and has turned to the variety’s final color (often green to red/yellow depending on conditions). Start checking at around 80–85 days from transplanting; fruit should feel heavy for its size with thick walls. Peppers will continue to ripen after picking, but for best flavor harvest when color is fully developed and the fruit resists slight pressure.