Root System of Sweet Bell Peppers

Root System

• Pepper plants are held upright with a strong central stem that is quite sturdy compared to their roots. A central, tapering tap root is present in the root system of all varieties of pepper. The tap root grows straight down and creates secondary branching roots that are fibrous. Roots may reach between 12 to 48 inches, but most are in the first foot of depth. If growing peppers in containers, experts recommend using a 2-gallon pot for one plant, or a 15-gallon tub for five plants.

Root Care

• Pepper plants are known for having brittle roots that are prone to breaking. Use care with the roots and protect peppers from uprooting and strong gusts of wind that could break the plant at the stem base. Sometimes excessive fruit production can cause the plants to bend over. When harvesting, cutting rather than pulling off the fruit prevents uprooting. Pinch off early flowers and fruits to encourage strong root establishment early in the plant's life.

Plant Care

• Even with a tap root present, sweet bell peppers need plenty of even moisture and well-drained soil to thrive. Add fertilizer to soil prior to planting, and place seedlings 12 inches or more apart. Pepper may actually tolerate being planted close to one another, but need sufficient sunlight to grow well. A warm environment is key to any pepper plant's success. Seedlings may become weak and leggy if they do not receive plenty of sunlight during establishment.

Harvest

• Green bell peppers can be pulled at any point the fruit is large enough. Red, orange and yellow bell peppers are simply ripened green peppers. Other sweet pepper varieties include Sweet Banana, Sweet Cherry, and Pimiento. Use peppers fresh in salads or toss into a stir fry for sweet and spicy flavor. They may also be pickled and added to relishes and soups.