Bell pepper in a hydroponic system
Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a non-pungent fruit of the Solanaceae family, grown for its crisp, colorful flesh and high vitamin C content. In hydroponics, peppers can be cultivated year-round under controlled nutrient and light conditions [1].
Common & Alternative Names
- Bell pepper
- Sweet pepper
- Paprika
- Capsicum (Australia, New Zealand)
- Capsicum annuum (Latin)
Popular Varieties
- California Wonder (Capsicum annuum var. annuum)
- Red Knight (Capsicum annuum 'Red Knight')
- Golden Bell (Capsicum annuum 'Golden Bell')
- Orange Blaze (Capsicum annuum 'Orange Blaze')
Positive Identification
- Glossy, lobed green leaves 8-15 cm long
- White, star-shaped flowers with five petals
- Bell-shaped fruit hanging downward, various colors when ripe
- Thick, hollow walls inside mature fruit [1]
Toxic Look-Alikes
- Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) - berries are glossy black and borne singly [6]
- Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) - clusters of small round berries, not bell-shaped [6]
Plant Parts & Uses
| Part | Common Uses |
|---|
| Fruit |
Fresh eating, stir-fries, stuffed peppers |
| Seeds |
Propagation, ground into paprika |
| Skin |
Dried & powdered for spice |
| Leaves |
Occasional animal fodder (not commonly eaten) |
Optimal Growing Parameters
| Field |
Range |
Optimal for Highest Yield |
| EC (mS/cm) |
2.0 - 2.5 |
2.2 |
| pH |
6.0 - 6.5 |
6.2 |
| TDS (ppm) |
1 400 - 1 750 |
1 600 |
| Temperature (°C) |
18 - 25 |
22 |
| Hours of Light |
14 - 16 h/day |
16 h/day |
| Seasons to Plant |
Spring / Summer (outdoors) |
Spring |
| Seasons to Produce |
Summer / Autumn |
Summer |
| Grow Light Wattage |
25 - 50 W per ft² |
40 W per ft² |
Propagation Methods
- Cuttings:
Take a 10-15 cm tip cutting with at least two leaf nodes, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and place in water or inert media until roots form (1-2 weeks).
- Seeds:
Harvest from fully ripe peppers (60-90 days after flowering), ferment pulp for 24-48 h, rinse and dry seeds 1-2 weeks. Sow 5 mm deep in seedling tray; germination in 7-14 days.
System Compatibility
| System | Compatibility |
|---|
| Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) | Good |
| Deep Water Culture (DWC) | Good (with support) |
| Ebb & Flow | Excellent |
| Drip System | Excellent |
| Aeroponics | Excellent |
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Pepper weevils
Citations
- [1] Bell pepper - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_pepper
- [2] Hydroponic Charts for Fruits and Vegetables: pH, TDS, EC, cF, PPM - https://ponicslife.com/hydroponic-charts-for-fruits-and-vegetables-ph-tds-ec-cf-ppm/
- [3] Hydroponic Bell Pepper Growing Guide: Optimal Conditions and Benefits - https://nthydroponics.com/blogs/learn/hydroponic-bell-pepper-growing-guide-optimal-conditions-and-benefits
- [4] How to grow Hydroponic Bell Peppers indoors: A Detailed Guide - https://letpot.com/blogs/hydroponic-plant-growing-knowledge-and-tips/how-to-grow-hydroponic-bell-peppers-indoors-a-detailed-guide
- [5] What Size LED Grow Light Do I Need? - https://www.mars-hydro.com/info/post/what-size-led-grow-light-do-i-need
- [6] Atropa bella-donna - Deadly nightshade - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna
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