Organic ‘Orange Bell’ Pepper

Organic ‘Orange Bell’ pepper (Capsicum annuum) from the seed company Gaia, a bright orange pepper with thick flesh and remarkable sweetness

The ‘Orange Bell’ pepper develops large, square, bright orange fruits, among the sweetest and most flavorful of the heirloom sweet varieties. Their thick, juicy flesh offers a firm, crisp texture, ideal for both fresh meals and slow cooking, where they reveal a deep sweetness. The vigorous and productive plants bear a large quantity of uniform fruits, each displaying a vibrant color and regular shape. A variety renowned for its versatility and culinary value, it excels stuffed, grilled, sauted, or eaten raw.

Its sunny hue and intense sweetness make it a pepper appreciated as much for the aesthetics it brings to the vegetable garden as for the richness it adds to everyday cooking.

Companion plants : Alliums, Basil, Tomato, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Marigold
Nefarious plants : Broad beans, Brassicaceae, Fennel

Spread/Habit : Bushy and slightly spreading
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Bright orange fruit, very sweet, thick flesh, high productivity, excellent taste

Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Very sweet, juicy, and crunchy
Cold tolerance : Not hardy

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting time, about 1 cm deep in warm potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 2532C , with an optimum around 2731C , to encourage efficient germination, usually in 7 to 21 days. Harden off seedlings to 1819C before transplanting. Provide full sun (level 3) and moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 3045 cm apart and rows 4560 cm apart. Heavy fruits may require light support.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest the first fruits quickly to encourage continuous production . Picked when bright orange, they offer their maximum sweetness. Store them at 10-12C with a high relative humidity of 95% to maintain their firmness and juiciness.

Usage ideas

In raw vegetables where their natural sweetness dominates
Stuffed, taking advantage of their square shape and thick flesh
Grilled or roasted to intensify their sweet aroma
Sauted or simmered for a colorful and delicate touch
In summer salads for a crisp and bright touch

The ‘Orange Bell’ pepper combines vibrant color, exceptional sweetness, and reliable productivity. It’s a versatile heirloom pepper that brightens up the garden and the kitchen, bringing a touch of sunshine to every harvest.