Cherokee Bell Pepper

Cherokee Bell Pepper is a hybrid bell pepper variety with a long production window of extra-large, high-quality fruits. This variety can be grown outdoors in a traditional setting, but also performs well when grown indoors in a greenhouse or high-tunnel. This is our most disease-resistant pepper variety. The plants are strong and vigorous with a longer production cycle than traditional bell pepper varieties. The fruits are firm and dark green initially, then mature to a beautiful red color.

Peppers are in the nightshade family along with tomatoes and eggplant. Plants in the nightshade family are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is a result of a calcium deficiency. To prevent or alleviate this problem, apply pelleted gypsum at the base of the plant at bloom set. Peppers do best when transplanted, as the germination time can be longer than most vegetable seed. Peppers grow very well in our heavy-duty seed starting trays. Plants should be started 4-6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date.

If conditions outside are favorable, transplants may be planted directly from our 162 cell trays. If conditions are still too cold for planting peppers, transplants may be “stepped-up” to 4″ pots to allow more room to grow. Peppers can produce heavy fruits and will require some form of support to keep the plant upright. We recommend using the Florida Weave trellising technique that involves using stakes and twine along the row. This ensures that plants and fruits stay off the ground, reducing the possibility of disease and keeping fruits clean.

Cherokee Bell Pepper Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/4″

Seed Spacing: 2′

Row Spacing: 3-4′

Days to Maturity: 80

Disease Resistance: Pepper Mild Mottle, Bacterial Spot, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus