Sweet bell peppers are one of the most popular types of sweet peppers grown by UK gardeners. Known for their large, blocky fruits and mild flavour, they are highly versatile in the kitchen and well suited to greenhouse and sheltered outdoor growing.
Unlike chillies, sweet bell peppers produce thick-walled fruits with no heat, making them ideal for fresh eating, cooking and stuffing. With the right growing conditions, they can be both productive and straightforward to grow.
Sweet bell peppers are a type of sweet pepper characterised by their rounded, block-shaped fruits and crisp flesh. Fruits usually start green and ripen to red, purple or other colours as they mature, becoming sweeter and more flavourful as they do.
Bell peppers need warmth and light to perform well, which is why they are most commonly grown under cover in the UK, although sheltered outdoor growing is also possible in good summers.
The table below lists the sweet bell pepper varieties sold by Growseed. These varieties are selected for flavour, fruit quality and performance in UK growing conditions.
Sweet bell peppers benefit from an early start and consistent warmth. Seeds are best sown indoors from late winter using a heated propagator or warm windowsill.
Once established, peppers should be grown in a bright, warm position with good airflow. Transplant plants into their final positions after the risk of frost has passed.
Bell peppers can be harvested green or left to ripen fully on the plant. Fully ripened peppers are sweeter and richer in flavour, though they take longer to mature.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued fruit production throughout the season.
Sweet bell peppers are valued for their versatility and productivity. Their thick flesh and mild flavour make them ideal for stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads and stir-fries.
With the right variety and good growing conditions, sweet bell peppers can provide generous harvests and add colour and flavour to the garden and kitchen alike.