Sweet pepper 'Mini bell' chocolate

70 seeds

'Mini Bell Chocolate' is a compact sweet pepper variety producing small, bell-shaped fruits that ripen from green to a rich chocolate-brown color. The fruits are crisp, juicy, and sweet, making them excellent for fresh snacks, salads, stuffing, grilling, and lunch boxes. It grows well in the Gulf when planted during the cooler months.

Best Planting Time

• August to November (recommended)
• January to February (spring crop in mild Gulf areas)
• Avoid planting during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 6–8 hours (optional) to improve germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Sweet peppers prefer fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Keep the soil evenly moist.
• Transplant seedlings when they have 4–6 true leaves (about 5–7 weeks old).

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 24–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In warmer Gulf areas, provide light afternoon shade during late spring.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Water at the base of the plant.
• Avoid irregular watering to prevent blossom-end rot.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days

Plant Spacing

• 35–45 cm between plants.
• 50–60 cm between rows.

Harvest

• Harvest 70–90 days after transplanting.
• Fruits can be picked green or left to ripen to their characteristic deep chocolate-brown color for maximum sweetness.
• Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• During flowering and fruiting, use fertilizer higher in potassium and calcium.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to conserve moisture and cool the root zone.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants.
• Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, and blossom-end rot.
• 'Mini Bell Chocolate' performs well in containers, raised beds, greenhouses, balconies, patios, and home vegetable gardens throughout the Gulf.