How to Grow Perry's White
Wikimedia Commons
Perry's White
Capsicum annuum var. annuum
vegetablePerry's White is a sweet bell pepper variety that produces creamy white to pale yellow fruits. Known for its mild, sweet flavor and attractive ornamental appearance when growing, this pepper matures from green to white, making it visually striking in gardens. The fruits are medium-sized and excellent for fresh eating and cooking.
When should you plant Perry's White in your zone?
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Example Perry's White timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Perry's White
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Perry's White
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Perry's White dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; grown as annual in zones 4 and 10
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Get my Perry's White timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and light green
Maintain 70-80°F soil temperature, provide bright light, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, thin to strongest seedlings
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks after transplantingBushy plants 8-18 inches tall developing multiple stems and dark green leaves
Gradually harden off before transplanting, space 18 inches apart, fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks, ensure full sun exposure, water consistently
Flowering
2-4 weeksPlant reaches mature size with small white flowers appearing at branch tips
Maintain consistent watering, switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer (higher phosphorus/potassium), ensure adequate sunlight for pollination, mulch to retain moisture
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green peppers form at flower sites, gradually enlarging and beginning color transition to white/cream
Continue consistent deep watering, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues, support heavy fruit clusters with stakes if needed, thin larger fruit load if desired for larger peppers
Maturity & Harvest
Ongoing through frostPeppers reach full white or pale yellow color, firm and glossy with thick walls
Harvest at white stage or allow to develop deeper cream/yellow tones, continue watering and fertilizing to encourage additional fruit production
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or miticide, remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove and destroy infested fruit, use insecticidal sprays in severe cases, practice crop rotation
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Use reflective mulches, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, introduce beneficial insects
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase air circulation
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryPerry's White peppers have a mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture that makes them ideal for fresh eating, slicing into salads, and veggie platters. Their attractive white appearance adds visual interest to dishes. [source]
Grilling and roasting
CulinaryThe thick walls and sweet flavor of Perry's White peppers make them excellent for grilling, roasting, and stuffing. They hold their shape well during cooking and develop deeper flavors when charred. [source]
Ornamental garden display
HouseholdThe striking white peppers growing on green bushes create an attractive garden ornamental display. The unusual coloring makes Perry's White a conversation-starting addition to vegetable gardens. [source]
Cooking and stir-fries
CulinaryPerry's White peppers are versatile for cooking applications including stir-fries, fajitas, pasta dishes, and mixed vegetable preparations. They maintain texture and mild flavor when cooked. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe white flowers of Perry's White peppers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting overall ecosystem health and benefiting nearby plants. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when peppers reach full white or pale yellow color and have firm, glossy skin (typically 70-90 days from transplant). Peppers can be harvested at green stage but flavor and sweetness develop fully at white maturity. Cut peppers from stem with pruning shears rather than pulling. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production. Peppers will store 1-2 weeks in refrigerator.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Perry's White is a relatively rare heirloom pepper variety with distinctive pale coloring that becomes more prominent as the pepper matures, creating a unique visual effect in the garden.
- 🌱 Unlike the common misconception that unripe peppers are always green, Perry's White peppers never turn red or orange—they ripen from green directly to creamy white or pale yellow.
- 🌱 Bell peppers like Perry's White are actually berries botanically, and a single mature plant can produce 6-12 or more peppers depending on growing conditions and care.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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