502 · Orange Bell (Etiuda)

About this plant

A blocky sweet bell that ripens through green to a glowing orange, with thick, juicy walls. Fully orange, it is notably sweet and mild, excellent raw for color on a crudite platter, roasted, or grilled. As with all bells here, the ripening fruit sunburns easily, so keep the canopy full or provide afternoon shade.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Spacing

18"

Size

24–30 in tall × 18–24 in wide

Care

Sun

Full sun (PM shade in peak heat)

Water

Even, moderate; deep & infrequent

Feed

Every 3–4 weeks with a balanced vegetable fertilizer; go light on nitrogen so plants set fruit (general guide).

Pick / harvest

Either (vendor advises ripe)

Good to know

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Spice level

No heat / Sweet

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Days to harvest

~75

Heat (our summer)

High

Color

Orange