Won 't the Red Bell Peppers That I 'm Turn to Red From Green?
Bell peppers (capsicum annuum), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and above, add a sweet, earthy flavor to each dish. All bell peppers start off green and then grow to a mature size before ripening. When a pepper is fully ripe, it usually turns red. Some peppers, however, refuse to change color. Peppers naturally ripen slowly, but they’ll take even longer when the plants are not happy. Red might never turn in any way.
Peppers and Patience
Bell peppers tend to germinate and grow slowly, and the fruit ripens in a similar rate. In case your seed packet says it takes six weeks to get a pepper to achieve adulthood, that is not completely true. Peppers may be prepared to eat at that time, though they’re still green. But it can take two or three more weeks after adulthood for a bell pepper to turn red. Large peppers require more, so opt for smaller-fruited varieties if you’re in a hurry.
Fiery and Wonderful Colors
In case your peppers have remained green for weeks, they might never turn red. This doesn’t mean the plant has an issue. Some pepper varieties remain green, even when they’re fully ripe, and also can be enjoyed this manner. Others may turn orange, yellow or other colours when mature. For instance, the chocolate bell pepper starts out green and ripens to a dark brownish color. “California Golden Wonder” turns yellow when mature. Some bell pepper varieties that will turn red, if left on the vine long enough, include”Bell Boy,””Lipstick,””Gypsy” and”Lady Bell.” If you’re not sure of a pepper’s ripeness, watch for many thin, white stripes or dots to develop on the fruit. This can be known as”corking,” and it usually means a pepper is prepared to pick.
Highs and Lows
Pepper plants are in their conditions, especially the fever. Bell peppers do best when daytime temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In case the temperature drops considerably below that, the peppers may not ripen unless it warms up. When temperatures range from 50 to 55 F, then the plant may also fall flowers and develop yellow leaves. If a frost is looming, it is best to pick off a plant’s blossoms so green peppers have a chance to ripen. Too much heat isn’t perfect, either. Most carbohydrates will protest if it becomes hotter than 90 F.
Pests and Problems
If your peppers seem distorted or yellowed, the plants may have an problem with aphids. These pests accumulate under plant leaves and then suck the juices, resulting in the distortion. Aphids can also spread. Lady beetles, parasitic wasps, soldier beetles and lacewing larvae feed on aphids. Insecticidal oil and soap also help control the insects. If the peppers have dark, sunken spots on them, the plant may have a condition known as blossom-end rot. Irregular watering and drought brought on it. Discard infected fruit.