Pepper 'Lady Bell'

Lady Bell Peppers, scientifically classified as Capsicum annuum, are a classic bell pepper variety cherished for their mild sweetness, crisp texture, and versatility in the kitchen. Characterized by their distinctive bell shape, these peppers typically measure around 4 to 5 inches in length and 3 to 4 inches in width. Lady Bell Peppers start as green and, upon reaching full maturity, transition to a vibrant red hue. With thick, succulent walls, they offer a satisfying crunch, making them ideal for both raw consumption and various culinary preparations.
What sets Lady Bell Peppers apart is their delightful flavor profile. These peppers are known for their mild sweetness, providing a pleasant contrast to savory dishes. Their versatile nature makes them suitable for salads, stir-fries, stuffed pepper recipes, or as a colorful addition to vegetable trays. Lady Bell Peppers have become a staple in gardens and kitchens alike, appreciated for their reliability in terms of yield and their ability to complement a wide range of flavors in diverse recipes. Whether enjoyed fresh in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes, Lady Bell Peppers continue to be a favorite choice among home gardeners and cooks seeking a balance of sweetness and crispness.
Cultivating Lady Bell Peppers requires attention to growing conditions that support their optimal development. These plants thrive in warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and ample sunlight. With proper care, Lady Bell Peppers reward gardeners with a steady supply of vibrant and flavorful peppers throughout the growing season, contributing both aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility to home gardens and kitchens.
What sets Lady Bell Peppers apart is their delightful flavor profile. These peppers are known for their mild sweetness, providing a pleasant contrast to savory dishes. Their versatile nature makes them suitable for salads, stir-fries, stuffed pepper recipes, or as a colorful addition to vegetable trays. Lady Bell Peppers have become a staple in gardens and kitchens alike, appreciated for their reliability in terms of yield and their ability to complement a wide range of flavors in diverse recipes. Whether enjoyed fresh in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes, Lady Bell Peppers continue to be a favorite choice among home gardeners and cooks seeking a balance of sweetness and crispness.
Cultivating Lady Bell Peppers requires attention to growing conditions that support their optimal development. These plants thrive in warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and ample sunlight. With proper care, Lady Bell Peppers reward gardeners with a steady supply of vibrant and flavorful peppers throughout the growing season, contributing both aesthetic appeal and culinary versatility to home gardens and kitchens.
Lady Bell Peppers (Capsicum annuum) thrive when provided with specific growing conditions that cater to their optimal development. Here are the key factors to consider when cultivating Lady Bell Peppers:
- Temperature: Lady Bell Peppers prefer warm to hot temperatures. Plant them after the last frost date in your region when the soil has warmed up. These peppers thrive in temperatures between 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C) during the day and not below 60°F (15°C) at night. Ensure a long growing season with consistently warm temperatures.
- Sunlight: Provide Lady Bell Peppers with full sunlight. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and the production of peppers. Choose a sunny location for planting to ensure they receive adequate sunlight.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for Lady Bell Peppers. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and drainage. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
- Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture for Lady Bell Peppers. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Spacing: Plant Lady Bell Peppers with adequate spacing to allow good air circulation between plants. Proper spacing reduces the risk of diseases and ensures each plant receives sufficient sunlight and nutrients.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer when planting, and consider providing additional fertilizer during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with slightly higher phosphorus and potassium levels supports flowering and fruit development.
- Support: Depending on the size of the plants and the weight of the peppers, you may need to provide support to prevent the plants from bending or breaking.
Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Lady Bell Peppers:
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 4 Lady Bell Peppers (or any bell peppers of your choice)
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Hummus for serving
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the Lady Bell Peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and lightly brush the outside with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
- Stuff each Lady Bell Pepper with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
- Optional: Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of hummus on the side.