The Old Farmer's Almanac Heirloom Big Red Sweet Pepper Seeds - Premium Non-GMO, Open Pollinated, USA Origin, Vegetable Seeds

Bell peppers require a fairly long growing season, so it's best to get them started indoors. Sow indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date in a warm, sunny location. Transplant to a moist well drained, sunny location in late spring after the soil has warmed. Weed gently so as not to disturb plants; and feed every 4-6 weeks. Fruits are ready to harvest when they're about 4 inches long. Cut or snap off fruits, along with a short piece of stalk, to avoid injuring the plant.

For the best results harvest as soon as peppers reach the desired size and color. Snip with scissors.

Red or Green? While they grow peppers are green, turning red and sweetening considerable at maturity. For a less sweet pepper, pick just before maturity while still green.

Wit & Wisdom: There is a popular myth which states that pepper fruits can be either male or female -- the difference between them being that male peppers have 3 bumps on the bottom and are better for cooking, while female peppers have 4 bumps, have more seeds, are sweeter, and are better for eating raw. This is not true! Pepper fruits do not have a gender and any obvious difference between fruits is simply the result of growing conditions or variety. Read The Old Farmer's Almanac Bell Peppers Growing Guide!

Are Your Seeds Heirloom? What are Heirloom Seeds?
Heirloom Seeds (sometimes called Heritage Seeds) are open pollinated vegetable and herb seed strains that have been planted, grown and harvested for several generations (usually more than 30 or 50 years depending on the variety) with consistent results. Heirloom seeds are always non-GMO and are never hybrids. All of our vegetable and herb seeds are heirloom seeds.

Are Your Seeds Non-GMO? What Does Non-GMO Mean?
Non-GMO means seeds (or other products) that were produced without genetic engineering and were not derived from GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). All of our seeds are non-GMO.

Where do Your Seeds Come From?
Most of the seeds offered on our site are USA Origin seeds sourced from certified US based suppliers. We do also source a small number of seeds from other countries. To view the specific origin of any of our current seed offerings, check the seed packet or look in the specifications for "Country of Origin" on any product page.

Are Your Seeds Packed for the Current Growing Season?
All of our seed packets are packed for the current growing season. If stored properly they will provide high germination rates for 1-2 additional years as well.

How Can I Store My Seeds Safely for Use in the Future?
Our seeds will generally retain their high germination rates for several years from the date of purchase. If you're planning on saving your seeds for us in the future, the most important thing to remember that seeds like to be stored where it is cool, dry and dark. The easiest way to ensure this for long term storage at home is to double-seal your seeds inside two zipper style bags and then place them in the freezer. (Make sure you label your seeds for future reference if they're not in original packaging.) When you're ready to plant your seeds, take just the ones you want to use out of the freezer and let them sit on a counter, in a covered container, for a few days to thaw and stabilize before being planted. To preserve germination rates, minimize temperature, light and humidity fluctuations by storing your seeds at the back of the freezer and only taking them out when you're ready to use them.

What Does the "Packed For" Year Mean on the Back of Seed Packets?
Federal regulations require seed packets to include "Packed For" Year markings. The "Packed For" Year is not an expiration date, it is only an indicator of when the seeds were packaged. "Packed For" Years can help gardeners determine how viable (able to germinate) seeds are likely to be. If stored properly -- in a dark, cool, dry place -- most seeds will deliver high germination rates for several years after the "Packed For" date.

The Package with my Seeds in was Left Outside in Freezing and/or Rainy Weather. Will the Seeds Still Work?
As long as your seeds have not gotten wet they should work fine. Freezing temperatures will not hurt the seeds.

Are Your Seeds Treated?
No. The USDA Certified Organic Program prohibits the use of treated seeds. All of our seeds -- whether certified organic or not -- are untreated.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Sweet Pepper Seeds (Big Red)