Description Light/Soil/Water Hardiness The 'Golden' Bell Pepper is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, the most common and widely cultivated species of pepper. Bell peppers are a fruit, botanically speaking, though they are culinarily used as vegetables. 'Golden' Bell Peppers have a moderate growth speed. They typically take 60-75 days from transplant to maturity.Like most pepper plants, 'Golden' Bell Pepper plants produce small, star-shaped, typically white or off-white flowers. These flowers are "perfect," meaning they contain both male and female reproductive parts, making them self-pollinating. The 'Golden' Bell Pepper is especially prized for its beautiful, sunny golden-yellow color when ripe, which adds a vibrant visual appeal to any dish. Beyond its aesthetic, it boasts a sweet, mild flavor and a crisp, juicy texture, making it excellent for fresh eating in salads, salsas, or as a snack. It's also fantastic for cooking, roasting, or stuffing. 'Golden' Bell Peppers require full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Peppers are sensitive to drought stress, which can lead to blossom drop or stunted fruit. Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.0) is ideal. When potting, use a high-quality potting mix formulated for vegetables. Ideal temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). It's generally considered low toxicity but best kept out of reach of curious animals. USDA Zone 9-11 USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
