When to Plant Big Bertha Peppers in Florida

Florida Duplicates Bell Pepper's Native Climate

• Peppers originated in Mexico, Central America and South America in semitropical and tropical climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 12, where they are short-lived perennials. The southern part of Florida provides a virtually frost-free climate in USDA zones 9 and 10 and is favorable enough for growing bell peppers that in 2004, Florida ranked second nationally in the acreage, production and value of bell peppers. In this area, you can leave "Big Bertha" in the garden for several years, protecting the plants from occasional cold periods. Established, mature plants allow a head start on fruit production.

Starting Plants From Seed

• For spring planting, start plants indoors 10 to 12 weeks ahead of the expected plant-out time. Fill 3-inch pots with drainage holes with a quality potting mix and cover the seeds lightly with soil. Put the pots in a sunny place and keep the mix uniformly moist. Seeds germinate in about 10 days if the soil temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the plants have several sets of true leaves, put them outdoors for an increasing number of hours a day over a week before planting them in the garden. For July and August planting, sow seeds directly into the garden, spacing seeds 18 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.

"Big Bertha" in the Garden

• "Big Bertha" can reach 3 to 5 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Each plant can produce seven to 12 pounds of peppers from May through October. The three- to four-lobed fruits are thick-walled and ripen to red. Support the branches with stakes or tomato cages because of the heavy fruit that are susceptible to breakage in winds or heavy rain. "Big Bertha" is resistant to tobacco mosaic virus. This cultivar was introduced in 1978. It sets fruit continuously and has excellent foliage cover for the developing fruits. Fertilize every two weeks with a 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water. Apply 1 gallon for every 10 square feet of garden space.

Growing Big Bertha in Containers

• Consider putting "Big Bertha" in containers if you live in Florida's USDA zone 8. This is one of the largest-growing cultivars, so give the plant a 5- to 10-gallon container with drainage holes. Provide support to prevent breakage, especially since you'll be moving the container for frost protection. Container plants need more frequent watering. Water whenever the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize container plants every other week with a solution of 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. Apply the fertilizer solution until it comes out the drainage holes.