Rainbow Bell Sweet Pepper Blend
Capsicum annuum
Seeds per pack ~ 25
Germination: 89% Packed for 2025
The Rainbow Bell Sweet Pepper Blend (Capsicum annuum) is a colorful and diverse mix of open-pollinated bell pepper varieties selected for their striking hues and reliable performance. Though not a singular heirloom with a defined lineage, this blend represents a curated selection of heirloom and traditional types from global pepper-growing cultures, including strains from Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the United States. The blend is especially popular among small-scale growers and home gardeners who value beauty, productivity, and flavor diversity in the garden and kitchen. By planting this mix, growers also help preserve a spectrum of genetic traits within the sweet bell pepper species.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Rainbow Bell Sweet Pepper Blend showcases a stunning array of fruit colors that include red, yellow, orange, and green shades, with fruits often ripening through several hues before reaching maturity. The peppers are typically blocky, 3- to 4-lobed, and thick-walled with a crisp texture. Plants are bushy, compact, and vigorous, often reaching 18 to 24 inches tall. They are well-suited for container growing or in-ground cultivation and demonstrate good resistance to common pepper diseases. The visual appeal of this blend adds ornamental value to any garden space while also offering dependable yields.
Culinary Uses
Rainbow bell peppers are prized in the kitchen for their sweet, mild flavor and versatility. They are excellent for fresh eating in salads, crudité platters, or stuffed pepper dishes. Their thick, juicy walls make them ideal for roasting, grilling, stir-frying, and sautéing. The varied colors not only enhance presentation but also add subtle differences in sweetness and texture, making them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Purple and ivory peppers, in particular, provide striking contrast in raw dishes, although their colors often mellow with cooking.
Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last expected frost date, providing warmth and light for strong seedling development. Transplant outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 55°F and soil is warm. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Consistent watering, mulching, and feeding with a balanced organic fertilizer will encourage lush growth and fruit development. As with other peppers, staking or caging may be beneficial to support the weight of the maturing fruit.
Harvesting Guidance
Peppers can be harvested at any stage of maturity, from green to fully ripe. However, for the most vivid colors and fullest sweetness, allow fruits to remain on the plant until they reach their final ripe color. Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors to clip the fruit from the plant, avoiding damage to stems. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production throughout the season. Store harvested peppers in a cool, humid environment and use within a week for optimal flavor and texture.
