Bell Pepper Color Change: Green to Ripe Is Just a Matter of Time

The Natural Process

All bell peppers start green. Given time on the plant, they ripen to their genetic color—red, yellow, orange, purple, etc.

Seed Maturity Indicator

• Green pepper: Seeds small, white, immature.
• Ripe pepper: Seeds larger, darker, mature.

Chlorophyll breakdown and seed maturation happen together.

What to Do

Be patient. Leave peppers on the plant longer. They will color up if the season allows.