Pepper Cross-Pollination: Myth vs. Reality

Peppers are largely self-pollinating. Cross-pollination by bees is rare but possible. If it occurs, it affects only the seeds—the current season's fruit flavor and heat are unchanged. If you save seed from a sweet pepper that crossed with a hot one, next year's plants may produce spicy fruit. If you don't save seed, there's zero impact. For pure seed, isolate varieties by 500 feet or use blossom bags.