General
Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a warm-season crop grown as an annual in Nordic climates. Plants prefer steady warmth and strong light. In most of Sweden, they perform best under cover (greenhouse, tunnel, or a warm balcony) but can succeed outdoors in the warmest microclimates. Fruits color from green to yellow, orange, red, or purple depending on variety. Thick-walled, blocky types need more heat; smaller or early cultivars ripen faster. Support with stakes or a string system to prevent branches from snapping under fruit weight.
Light
Full sun, warm and sheltered; 8–10+ hours of direct light is ideal. Greenhouse or a south-facing wall in cooler regions.
Soil type
Fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive loam rich in organic matter. Amend with mature compost; avoid compacted or waterlogged soils.
Water requirement
Even moisture; keep consistently damp but not soggy. Mulch to reduce evaporation. Avoid large dry-wet swings to prevent blossom end rot.
Nutrient requirement
Moderate nitrogen, high potassium and calcium. Use a balanced start, then switch to a K-rich feed during flowering and fruiting.
Precultivation
Start seeds early because peppers grow slowly. Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in a warm propagator at 24–28°C for fastest germination. Bottom heat greatly improves emergence. Prick out to individual pots once the first true leaves appear. Maintain 18–22°C days (not below 16°C at night) and provide the highest possible light to avoid leggy plants. Pot up gradually into 1–3 L pots before final planting to prevent check. Begin light feeding once seedlings are well-established.
Planting
Harden off gradually for 10–14 days. Plant when nights consistently stay above ~10–12°C and days are warm. Final spacing 35–45 cm between plants and 45–60 cm between rows (denser in containers if well-fed). Incorporate compost and a slow-release organic fertilizer before planting. Water in well and mulch once soil has warmed. Outdoors, choose the sunniest, most sheltered spot. Train to a sturdy stake or twin-leader on strings. Maintain good airflow to reduce disease.
Pruning
Remove the first crown flower in small plants to encourage branching and a stronger framework. Limit to 2–4 main stems on vigorous varieties; thin dense side shoots lightly to improve airflow and light. Remove damaged leaves and any shoots touching the soil. Stop heavy pruning once plants are in full fruit set to avoid yield loss.
Maintenance
Keep soil evenly moist; water in the morning and avoid wetting foliage. Feed every 10–14 days with a potassium-rich organic liquid once flowering begins. Provide calcium (via well-balanced feed or gypsum) to prevent blossom end rot. Maintain 20–28°C days and 16–20°C nights if under cover; ventilate above 28–30°C to avoid flower drop. Encourage pollination by gentle shaking at midday. Scout weekly for aphids, whitefly, spider mites, and thrips; use yellow sticky traps, biological controls (e.g., Encarsia, Phytoseiulus), and occasional soft soap or neem as needed. Rotate and sanitize to reduce virus and soil-borne issues.
Harvest
Pick when fruits are firm and glossy. Harvest green for earliest yields or allow to fully color for maximum sweetness and vitamins. Cut with pruners leaving a short stem to avoid tearing branches. Regular picking accelerates further fruit set. Store at 8–12°C (not in the coldest fridge zones) and use within 1–2 weeks.
Common issues
Blossom end rot (physiological): prevent with even watering and adequate calcium; avoid excessive nitrogen. Flower/fruit drop: heat stress >30°C, cold nights, or drought; improve ventilation and watering. Aphids/whitefly/spider mites: manage with predators and gentle sprays; avoid over-fertilizing. Edema and sunscald: even watering, gradual hardening-off, and shading during heat spikes help. Viral diseases: source clean seed, remove symptomatic plants, control vectors.
Rotation schedule
Rotate at least 3–4 years away from Solanaceae beds (tomato, potato, eggplant, chili). Follow heavy feeders with legumes or green manures. Avoid planting after potatoes to reduce soil-borne disease risk.
Pollination
Self-fertile; flowers set best with gentle vibration and insect activity. In greenhouses, tap stakes or gently shake plants at midday.
Companion plants
Basil, marigold (Tagetes), onions, garlic, carrots, marjoram, oregano. Flowers that attract pollinators/beneficials are helpful.
Incompatible plants
Fennel; avoid close rotation with other Solanaceae (tomato, potato, eggplant, chili).
