Peppers don't always get the attention they deserve in Alberta gardens.
Tomatoes tend to steal the show on Victoria Day weekend and for good reason. But if you have never grown peppers, or you have tried before and found them finicky, we want to make the case for giving them another chance.
When grown right, peppers are one of the most productive and satisfying plants you can put in the ground. They are beautiful in the garden, incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and with the right variety selection for our climate, much more achievable in Alberta than most people think.
California Wonder Bell Pepper — Start Here
If you are new to growing peppers, California Wonder is the variety we would put in your hands first. It's the classic thick-walled sweet bell pepper. The kind you would recognize immediately in any grocery store, and it grows reliably in Alberta garden beds and large containers with full sun exposure.
California Wonder produces large, flavourful peppers that ripen from green to red over the season. It's a mid-season variety, so it needs a full warm summer to reach its potential, but planted now, with Victoria Day behind us and the warmest months ahead, you are in excellent shape.
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper — More Flavour, Less Fear
Don't let the word 'hot' put you off. Hungarian Hot Wax peppers are a mild-to-medium heat. Think flavourful with a gentle warmth rather than anything eye-watering. They are one of the most popular pepper varieties we carry, year after year, and for good reason.
They are incredibly prolific producers, they ripen from yellow to red over the season, and they are fantastic for fresh eating, pickling, roasting, and stuffing. If you are ready to move beyond bell peppers, Hungarian Hot Wax is the perfect next step.
Tips for Getting Peppers Off to a Strong Start in Alberta
Peppers love heat more than tomatoes, honestly. Here's how to set them up for success:
Choose your warmest, most sheltered spot. A south-facing bed or a dark container that absorbs heat is ideal.
Don't rush the watering. Peppers like consistent moisture but hate sitting in wet soil. Water deeply and let the top inch dry out between waterings.
Be patient with the colour change. Green peppers are just unripe peppers. Leave them on the plant, and they will develop full colour and sweetness. It just takes extra time.
Consider a dark container for extra warmth. Black or dark-coloured pots absorb heat from the sun and create a warmer root environment that peppers love.
Come See Our Full Pepper Selection
We carry more pepper varieties than just the two featured here, from sweet to hot, compact container varieties to large garden plants.
Come visit the greenhouse this Victoria Day weekend and let our team help you find the right peppers for your space and your cooking style.
Need help with your tomatoes? Read our tomato guide here. Best Tomatoes to Grow in Alberta
📍 18311 Township Road 502, Beaver County