The sweet bell peppers are eaten green (immature) or ripe (red). New developments in color and form have made them available in many different colors, including red, yellow, orange, purple, ivory, and even chocolate brown. Gardeners often find it challenging to produce colored bell peppers during the summer heat. Peppers require more heat than tomatoes, and planting should be delayed until the soil thoroughly warms.
A double-staggered row planted about 18 inches between rows and 12 to 18 inches between plants is a good practice. The twin row provides an excellent shaded canopy for fruit maturation. To develop full color, many colored bells require an additional two weeks beyond the mature green stage. This additional time makes them susceptible to sunscald. Any factor that reduces leaf or canopy area will trigger sunscald. Good nutrition and adequate water is a must. It is also a good idea for bell peppers to be staked to create a more upright canopy and reduce the risk of wind lodging.
