Christmas Bell

Pepper

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Christmas Bell

🌱 85d to harvest Upright

Fragrant and bright, Christmas Bell peppers glow in the garden with a festive, bell-shaped silhouette and a crisp, juicy snap at …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 16th
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 29th
Harvest Begins	Sep 22nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Dolce Vita Basil

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Capsicum baccatum (Christmas Bell/"Lemon Drop" type) plants getting spots and leaf problems, and what should I do?

Watch for early blight or leaf spot, which can show up as dark lesions and yellowing leaves on Solanaceae peppers, especially when foliage stays wet. Water at the soil line, improve airflow by spacing plants well, and remove the worst affected leaves early to slow spread. If it keeps recurring, spray an approved copper-based fungicide according to label directions and repeat at the interval on the product (don’t use on very young tender growth unless the label allows it).

How often should I water Capsicum baccatum during the main growing phase to avoid stress?

During flowering and fruiting (roughly weeks 4–10 after transplant), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for watering about 2–3 times per week depending on heat, and reduce frequency if the top 1 inch of soil stays damp. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top inch dry slightly before the next watering to prevent root stress and blossom drop.

How can I tell when Christmas Bell (Capsicum baccatum) peppers are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 85 days from sowing/typical season timing when fruits are fully sized and the skin has developed its mature color pattern (often moving from green to yellow/orange/red). Pick peppers with firm walls and glossy skin; if they feel soft or shriveled, they’re past peak. For best flavor and continued production, harvest regularly once they reach maturity rather than letting them over-ripen on the plant.

Fragrant and bright, Christmas Bell peppers glow in the garden with a festive, bell-shaped silhouette and a crisp, juicy snap at first bite. “Christmas Bell” Aji delivers a lively, peppery warmth with a tangy, aromatic character that shines in fresh salsas and vibrant sauces, and it also roasts beautifully for a deeper, sweeter note. Grow it for its showy color and its bold flavor that keeps your harvest tasting lively from summer through fall.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start Capsicum peppers indoors with warm soil, then transplant only when nights are reliably warm and soil is at least ~60°F to prevent cold stunting.