Mini Bells Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) – Red, Ideal for Irish Greenhouses

Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Common Name: Mini Bells Sweet Pepper
Heirloom | Open-Pollinated | Non-GMO | Annual

Mini Bells is a compact sweet pepper variety producing vibrant red, mini bell-shaped fruit, perfect for Irish growers using greenhouses or polytunnels. These plants deliver a steady harvest of sweet, juicy peppers with excellent flavour, making them a favourite for small-space gardening in Ireland’s cooler climate.

The seed for this variety was originally sourced from the renowned French heirloom seed organisation Kokopelli, known for preserving rare and traditional vegetable varieties.

Product Highlights

• Fruit Size: 4–6 cm long, bell-shaped mini peppers
• Colour: Bright, glossy red only
• Flavour: Sweet, crisp, mild, ideal fresh or cooked
• Plant Size: Compact (30–45 cm tall), suitable for pots and greenhouse benches
• Days to Maturity: 60–75 days from transplant under protection
• Yield: High and continuous throughout the growing season

Growing Information (Irish Conditions)

• Sow Indoors: Late January to early March for optimal growth
• Growing Environment: Greenhouse or heated polytunnel recommended for best results
• Transplant: After the last frost and when the soil warms (April–May)
• Light: Full sun exposure in greenhouse or sheltered outdoor spots
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic content, pH 6.0–7.0
• Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid wetting foliage
• Feeding: Apply balanced liquid fertiliser every 10–14 days during flowering and fruiting
• Spacing: 30 cm between plants
• Harvest: Pick when fruit is fully red for best taste and texture

Historical Background

• Mini Bells peppers descend from the ancient Capsicum annuum family, first domesticated thousands of years ago in Central and South America.
• Modern breeding has focused on creating compact, high-yielding varieties ideal for greenhouse cultivation.
• In Ireland’s cooler climate, growing Mini Bells in protected environments allows gardeners to enjoy sweet, early peppers despite the short outdoor season.