Quick facts
| Arabic name | الفلفل الرومي (الحلو) |
|---|---|
| English name | Bell Pepper |
| Scientific name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Nightshade family (Solanaceae) |
| Plant type | Bushy vegetable grown yearly |
| Height | 50 to 90 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
September to October
All year in greenhouses Harvest time
December to April
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
An upright branching plant with shiny oval leaves and small white flowers. The fruits are hollow and puffy.
Where it grows
Grown in greenhouses and open fields in mild seasons.
Soil
Rich, light, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Regular drip watering.
Climate and light
Likes mild warmth. Strong heat makes flowers drop.
Propagation
By seed in a nursery, then transplanting.
Benefits and uses
- Very rich in vitamin C
- Eaten raw or cooked
- Its colors brighten dishes
- High yield in greenhouses
Drawbacks
- Sensitive to strong heat
- Whiteflies and thrips attack it
- Needs regular feeding
Important notes
Red and yellow peppers are green peppers left to ripen fully.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Capsicum annuum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Capsicum annuum
- Wikipedia: Bell pepper
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)