a very nice variety of orange bell is now in f-7 has very good taste and early yields on medium sized plants that grow very well in cool climates pods are a little small for a bell variety but make up for it with a very sweet flavor

C.Annuum

SHU 0-500

APS ORANGE BELL PEPPER - The Sweet Sunshine

**Basic Info**  

Species: *Capsicum annuum*  

Origin: Global cultivation (developed variety)  

Heat: Sweet (0 SHU)  

Type: Large, sweet orange bell pepper  

**Story**  

The APS Orange Bell Pepper is a vibrant, sun-kissed variety that brings both visual appeal and culinary versatility to any garden. Bell peppers, with their thick walls and mild sweetness, have been a staple of global cuisines for centuries, and the orange variant offers a unique flavor profile that sits between the grassy notes of green peppers and the honeyed sweetness of red ones.  

What makes the orange bell particularly special is its harvest timing - it represents the pepper at a specific stage of ripeness where sugars have developed but not yet reached the peak concentration of fully red peppers. This gives orange bells their characteristic balance: sweet but with a slight tang, crisp yet juicy, and packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene that contribute to their brilliant color.  

In culinary traditions worldwide, orange bells are prized for their versatility. They can be eaten raw in salads where their sweetness complements bitter greens, roasted to enhance their smoky depth, stuffed with rice or meat for hearty main dishes, or sliced into stir-fries where they add color and crunch. The thick walls hold up exceptionally well to cooking without becoming mushy, making them ideal for applications where texture matters.  

For gardeners, the APS Orange Bell offers reliable production and proven adaptability. The plants are sturdy and disease-resistant, producing continuous harvests throughout the growing season. The pods mature from green to a brilliant orange, creating a stunning visual display that signals peak flavor. Unlike some specialty varieties, orange bells are forgiving and productive, making them a favorite among home gardeners who want both quality and quantity.  

**Plant**  

Medium to large (2-3 feet), sturdy, upright growth with excellent foliage cover.  

**Pods**  

4-5 inches square, thick-walled, brilliant orange when ripe.  

**Flavor**  

Sweet, slightly tangy, crisp with zero heat.  

**Kitchen**  

Stuffing, stir-frying, salads, roasting, fresh eating.  

**Growing Tips**  

- 70-85 days to maturity  

- Full sun (6-8 hours)  

- Zones 4-11 (adaptable)  

- Well-draining soil, consistent watering  

**Culinary Uses**  

- Traditional stuffed peppers  

- Fresh in colorful salads  

- Roasted for side dishes  

**Common Questions**  

Q: Why is it orange?  

A: Harvested at partial ripening when sugars have developed but not fully.  

Q: Can it turn red?  

A: Yes, if left on vine longer, becomes sweeter.  

Q: How many per plant?  

A: Typically 8-12 large pods per healthy plant.  

Q: Storage life?  

A: 2-3 weeks refrigerated, longer if pickled.