How to Prepare a Bell Pepper Nursery and Learn About Its Advanced Varieties

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) farming requires a well-prepared nursery to achieve high yields. By following the right techniques, you can ensure the healthy growth of plants.

Steps to Prepare a Bell Pepper Nursery:

1. Selecting the Right Location: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily and has a proper drainage system.
2. Soil Preparation: Light loamy soil mixed with organic manure or compost is ideal. The soil should be loose and moist for proper seed germination.
3. Choosing High-Quality Seeds: Use certified hybrid or improved seed varieties to achieve better yields.

4. Seed Sowing: 

• Soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours to enhance germination.
• Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep in nursery trays or seedbeds, maintaining a spacing of 2-3 inches.

5. Irrigation and Care: 

• Water the nursery lightly to keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Use drip or sprinkler irrigation systems if necessary.

6. Seedling Growth: When the seedlings reach 4-6 inches in height and develop 2-3 leaves, they are ready for transplantation.

7. Transplanting into the Field: Transfer the seedlings to the main field, ensuring adequate spacing, and water them lightly in the initial days.

Key Factors for Successful Bell Pepper Farming:

1. Suitable Climate and Soil: Bell peppers grow best in temperatures between 18-30°C. Well-drained loamy soil is most suitable.
2. Sowing and Transplanting: Ideal sowing seasons are June-July, September-October, and December-January. Transplanting is done after 45-60 days.
3. Irrigation Management: Water every 3-4 days in summer and every 7-10 days in winter.
4. Fertilizer Application: Use a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with organic fertilizers.
5. Pest and Disease Control: Regularly spray organic or approved chemical pesticides to protect crops.

Popular Bell Pepper Varieties:

1. Arka Gaurav – High yield and excellent quality.
2. Arka Mohini – Large, thick-skinned fruits, ideal for vegetable production.
3. California Wonder – Performs well even in cold climates.
4. Aishwarya – Small but high-yielding plants.
5. Alankar – Round and thick-skinned, with high market demand.
6. Hari Rani – Green-colored fruits with high production capacity.
7. Pusa Dipti – Well-adapted to Indian climates with good yield potential.
8. Green Gold – Best suited for the climate of North India.

Harvesting and Yield:

1. Bell peppers are harvested before they fully ripen.
2. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears for cutting.
3. With proper care, yields of 150-250 quintals per hectare can be achieved.

Read More- Earn lakhs from high yielding Bell Pepper Cultivation