Yankee Bell: The Northern Gardener’s Perfect Sweet Pepper

Discover the Yankee Bell pepper, an open-pollinated variety specifically bred for Northern growers. This medium-sized bell pepper matures in just 60 days for green fruits and 80 days for fully ripe red peppers[1][2]. Developed by Rob Johnston in Maine, the Yankee Bell stands out for its superior quality and uniformity compared to other open-pollinated varieties[2][4].

Yankee Bell peppers offer gardeners blocky, 3-4 lobed fruits that are slightly smaller than hybrid varieties but pack a punch in flavor and versatility[1][4]. These peppers are ideal for salads, sautés, and veggie platters, with their thick walls making them perfect for stuffing or baking[1][3]. Their uniform shape and glossy skin make them visually appealing, while their adaptability to cooler climates ensures a bountiful harvest even in challenging growing conditions[6][7].

The plants grow to a medium-large size, reaching heights of 31-40 inches, with strong branches that support heavy fruit production[4][7]. Yankee Bell peppers thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5[4]. They perform exceptionally well in containers and small gardens, making them suitable for various growing setups[3].

Growing Success Tips:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for early transplanting[1][3]
• Use black plastic mulch and row covers to buffer cold weather and increase earliness[4]
• Water consistently to avoid forming uneven or bumpy peppers[3]
• Pinch off the first blossoms to encourage stronger plant growth[3]

Yankee Bell peppers are a valuable addition to any garden, offering reliability, productivity, and excellent flavor. Their ability to tolerate temperatures down to 50°F makes them a standout choice for regions with cooler nights[6].

For optimal growth, apply organic fertilizer or aged compost every 6-8 weeks during the active growing season[3].

Product Features

• Open-pollinated variety
• Blocky, 3-4 lobed fruits
• Medium-sized peppers
• Matures green to red
• USDA Certified Organic seed available[4]

Growing Information

• Full sun exposure required
• Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.0
• Spacing: 18 inches between plants, 24-36 inches between rows
• Water needs: 1 inch per week
• Hardiness zones: 3 to 9[1]

Key Benefits

• Specially bred for Northern climates
• High-quality, uniform fruits
• Versatile for various culinary uses
• Excellent container and small garden performance[3][6][7]

Citations: [1] https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/plant-profile/yankee-bell-peppers/ [2] https://garden.org/plants/view/128809/Bell-Pepper-Capsicum-annuum-Yankee-Bell/ [3] https://bankonseeds.com/pages/yankee-bell-pepper-guide [4] https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/peppers/sweet-bell-peppers/yankee-bell-organic-bell-pepper-seed-566G.html [5] http://lewisburgcommunitygarden.blogs.bucknell.edu/files/2016/05/Yankee-Bell-Pepper-1.pdf [6] https://www.epicgardening.com/growing-bell-peppers/ [7] https://redemptionseeds.com/yankee-bell-sweet-pepper-seed.html [8] https://annapolisseeds.com/products/yankee-bell-pepper [9] https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/peppers/?srule=product-name-descending&sz=54 [10] https://harlequinsgardens.com/plants/vegetables/pepper-starts/ [11] https://www.almanac.com/plant/bell-peppers [12] https://phocasseeds.com/product/pepper-yankee-bell/ [13] https://cucurbitbreeding.wordpress.ncsu.edu/2016/06/03/pepper-m-z/ [14] https://www.uwgb.edu/UWGBCMS/media/Heriloom-Plant-Sale/files/2022-Variety-Descriptions.pdf [15] https://www.bearrootgardens.com/store/p13/Yankee_Bell_.html [16] https://www.reimerseeds.com/yankee-bell-pepper-seeds [17] https://dev.theorganicharvest.maxburst.dev/product/pepper-yankee-bell-po2/ [18] https://sproutfarmsllc.com/product/peppers-yankee-bell-3/ [19] https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/peppers/sweet-bell-peppers/?sz=26