How to Grow The Governor
Wikimedia Commons
The Governor
Capsicum annuum
vegetableThe Governor is a hybrid bell pepper variety known for its large, blocky fruit and exceptional productivity. It produces thick-walled, sweet peppers that mature from green to a deep red color. This cultivar is popular among both home gardeners and commercial growers for its disease resistance and consistent yields.
When should you plant The Governor in your zone?
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Example The Governor timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant The Governor
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 The Governor
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact The Governor dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10 as an annual; grow as a perennial in zones 9-11
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Get my The Governor timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with true leaves emerging, typically 2-4 inches tall
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Provide bright light and maintain soil moisture. Keep temperature around 70-80°F for optimal germination.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksBushy growth with abundant foliage, no flowers yet; plants 6-18 inches tall
Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors after all frost danger passes. Space 18 inches apart. Install stakes or cages early for support.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall white or cream-colored flowers appear at leaf axils; plant continues growing taller
Maintain consistent watering and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer. Ensure pollinator access or hand-pollinate in low-pollinator areas.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green peppers develop and enlarge; thick-walled and blocky in shape
Continue regular watering and feeding. Pinch off first few flowers if desired to encourage larger fruit later. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Mature Fruit
Ongoing from mid-summer until first frostPeppers reach full size (3-4 inches wide and tall), can be harvested green or left to ripen to deep red
Harvest green peppers once they reach full size for continued production, or allow to ripen fully for sweeter flavor. Use sharp shears to avoid damaging branches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity, spray neem oil or sulfur, ensure adequate water; release predatory mites in severe cases
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, maintain good air circulation
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Remove affected fruit immediately, use insecticides if needed, practice crop rotation
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Use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil or spinosad, remove garden debris
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryThe Governor's thick walls and sweet flavor make it excellent for fresh consumption in salads, on ceviche, or as snacking peppers. The substantial flesh also makes them ideal for grilling, roasting, stuffing, and sautéing in various cuisines. [source]
Preservation and canning
CulinaryTheir large, uniform shape makes Governor peppers particularly suitable for freezing, canning, or pickling. They maintain their firm texture and flavor through processing. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalRich in vitamin C (especially when red), vitamin A, and antioxidants. Bell peppers have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties and support for cardiovascular health. [source]
Garden productivity and seed saving
HouseholdAs a hybrid, The Governor produces excellent seeds for replanting in home gardens, allowing gardeners to save money and experiment with seed propagation year after year. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to overall garden ecosystem health and biodiversity. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
The Governor peppers can be harvested at the mature green stage (full size, glossy green) or left to ripen to deep red for 2-3 additional weeks. Green peppers mature faster and encourage more flowering. Use sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut peppers from the stem to avoid damage. Harvest regularly to promote continuous production throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Governor is a hybrid pepper variety, meaning it's the controlled cross-breeding of two parent plants, which results in plants with superior vigor, disease resistance, and uniform fruit production compared to open-pollinated varieties.
- 🌱 Bell peppers, including The Governor, are actually fruits botanically (berries), not vegetables, as they develop from the ovary of the flower and contain seeds.
- 🌱 The color change from green to red represents an increase in sweetness and vitamin C content—red peppers contain about three times more vitamin C than green peppers of the same plant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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