Purple Beauty Bell Pepper

Purple Beauty Bell Pepper

This pepper stands out in the garden with its unique, deep violet coloring, distinguishing itself from the more common red, yellow, and green bell peppers. This heirloom variety is part of the Capsicum annuum species, which includes a range of both sweet and hot peppers. The most striking feature of the Purple Beauty is its vibrant purple hue, which shifts to red upon full ripening, though they are typically harvested while still purple.

Heat, Flavor, and Culinary Uses

Purple Beauty peppers are entirely sweet, lacking any heat (0 Scoville Heat Units), and are known for their mildly sweet, fresh, and crunchy flavor. They are versatile in the kitchen, perfect for stuffed pepper recipes thanks to their thick, sturdy walls and ample internal space perfect for stuffing! These peppers are excellent when cooked fresh in stir-fries or omelets, roasted for an intensified flavor, or added raw to salads for a pop of color. They can also be frozen for later use, preserving their unique qualities.

Growing Tips:

Capsicum annuum peppers grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They also prefer a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Peppers should be started from seeds indoors, 6 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Once the seedlings are 4 to 6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden. Make sure to space the plants at minimum 12-18 inches apart, with 18″ being ideal to allow for good air circulation.

Capsicum annuum peppers need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply once a week or more often if the soil is dry.

Capsicum annuum peppers benefit from regular applications of fertilizer throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 and apply it every 2 to 3 weeks.