Height

• Bell pepper plants range in height from 18 inches to 36 inches, depending on the cultivar. Check the expected height at maturity on the plant identification label or seed packet to determine how tall your pepper will grow under ideal conditions.
  
  

Spread

• Many varieties of bell peppers spread to a width of 12 to 18 inches inches, but many some cultivars may spread to 24 inches. The width of a pepper plant depends on the cultivar and growing conditions.
  
  

Soil Preparation

• Prepare the garden soil by tilling to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Remove rocks, roots and other debris from the soil. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or manure over the soil and work it in with hand tools or the garden tiller. Organic matter increases aeration, promotes good drainage and provides nutrients. Adjust the pH to 6.0 to 6.8.
  
  

Planting

• Transplant seedlings to the garden when daytime temperatures remains 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures remain above 50 to 55 degrees. Bell peppers are warm-season vegetables and suffer when exposed to nighttime cold. Exposure results in shock to the plant and may inhibit growth for up to a month.
  
  

Nurtients

• Provide your bell peppers with proper nutrients to encourage them to reach their expected size at maturity. Use starter fertilizer when planting, and side dress with 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 fertilizer when plants set the first batch of peppers.
  
  

Water

• Bell peppers require evenly-moist soil for healthy growth. Water them deeply to saturate the soil to the root level whenever the soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface of the soil.
  
  

Exposure

• Bell peppers require six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day for healthy growth. Choose a planting area that provides adequate direct sunlight for your bell peppers.