Islander Bell Pepper
Capsicum Annuum

days to maturity: 55 lavender; 80 red ripe
plant spacing: 1 plant per square foot
sunlight requirement: 6 -14 hours
look out for: white fly & spider mites
harvest notes: harvest peppers at any color as they turn from lavender to yellow then red
seasons: fall, winter, spring
annual

The Islander Pepper is a dependable sweet bell variety that performs well-enough in our hot, humid climate like ours. Plants grow upright and sturdy, producing medium-sized, blocky peppers with a crisp texture and mild flavor. They can be harvested at different stages—picked young for a lighter, milder taste or left on the plant to fully ripen for a sweeter flavor. We typically don’t recommend that people grow bell peppers but our friends over at Tiny Farm have had some decent success with this variety. For best results, start plants fall or winter to take advantage of the long growing season, or plant again in spring for summer growing. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, and they respond well to a boost of compost or organic fertilizer. Consistent watering is important, as dry spells can cause blossoms to drop, reducing yields. As the fruit begins to set, a light stake or small cage can support the branches and prevent breakage.