Beauty Bell F1 produces large, thick walled square shaped fruits of dark green turning to brilliant red. They boast a good flavour and are very prolific.

As easy to grow as tomatoes and requiring much of the same treatment. Peppers can be grown outside, so long as they are in a sheltered sunny area, but best results are usually obtained when they are grown in a polytunnel or a glasshouse. Peppers are delicious when used raw in salads but are also very tasty when cooked. They can be stuffed, roasted or added to sauces.

WHEN TO SOW

February to April

Where to Sow

Sow seed on the surface of a free draining compost in pots or trays and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite and place at a temperature 18-21°C until seeds germinate.

What to do next

Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into 7cm (3in) pots and grow on underglass. Once plants reach 10cm (4in) high transplant into growbags or 25cm (10in) pots and grow on underglass. Feed once a week with tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.

MATURITY

Late July to October

HANDY TIP

Green Peppers are immature fruits, but perfectly edible. They turn bright red and become sweeter as they mature.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

High in vitamin C and beta carotene (pro-vitamin A).