Grown Bell Pepper 'Big Bertha'?

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Bell Pepper 'Big Bertha' — Peppers

72-75days to harvest

10-14days to germinate

Z4–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil temperature reaches 65°F and night temperatures stay above 50°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 1-3 feet
Season: Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Green maturing to bright red
Size: 6-7 inches long, 4 inches wide, up to 1 pound
Shape: Large blocky bell shape with thick walls
Flavour: Sweet, crisp, and mild with no heat

In the kitchen

Excellent for stuffing, grilling, roasting, stir-fries, and fresh eating in salads

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, pepper hornworm, cutworms
Diseases: Bacterial spot, anthracnose, blossom end rot, verticillium wilt
Resistance: Good resistance to tobacco mosaic virus and bacterial leaf spot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	May	July – August	—	September – August
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	August – October
4	March – April	June	—	August – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	July – September
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	June – August
9	January	March – April	—	May – July
10	January	February – March	—	May – July
11	January	January – February	—	April – June
12	January	January – February	—	April – June
13	January	January – February	—	April – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving pepper flavor

TomatoesShare similar growing conditions and can help deter pests when planted together

OreganoRepels aphids and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

MarigoldsDeter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with their strong scent

CarrotsHelp break up soil and don't compete for nutrients or space

OnionsRepel aphids, spider mites, and other pests that attack peppers

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on pepper pests

NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Avoid

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit pepper growth and development

BrassicasCompete heavily for nutrients and can stunt pepper growth

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that is harmful to peppers and most nightshades

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.715
Fat (g): 0.106
Carbohydrate (g): 4.78
Fibre (g): 0.942
Vitamin C (mg): 99.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.247
Folate (µg): 22.2
Calcium (mg): 7.5
Iron (mg): 0.186
Magnesium (mg): 9
Phosphorus (mg): 16.8
Potassium (mg): 163
Zinc (mg): 0.126
Selenium (µg): 0

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the peppers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Bell Pepper 'Big Bertha'?

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