Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Bell Peppers

Estimated Cost $2740 per acre

Harvest Season spring - June to July, fall - October to November

Market Outlets Wholesale or retail stores, farmers markets, roadside

Yield Potential 300- 600 25 lb crates/acre

Market Potential Good- especially for colorful fruit types (red, yellow, purple, etc.).

Profit Potential $0 to $3,000 per acre

Adapted Areas Statewide

Labor Requirements 2 man-days per acre; weekly during harvest. Hand harvested

Equipment Requirements Tractor, shredder, fertilizer applicator, disk, bedder, cultivator, planter, insect/disease sprayer, herbicide sprayer, irrigation system

Soil Requirements Sandy or loam

Water Requirements High - 25- 30 inches/season (2 to 3 inches per acre weekly) of high quality water

Minimum Size 1 acre

Risk Factor High, one of the most difficult vegetables to grow.

Other Limiting Factors Labor availability, price fluctuations, viruses, insects, sunburning, disease, rain and wind.

Additional Information

Comments Strict size, grade and quality standards. High nutrient demand. Colored types (Red, yellow, purple, etc.) have niche market potential and normally comand higher prices than the green. Fruit easily bruises. Transplants readily.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$2740 per acre
Harvest Season	spring - June to July, fall - October to November
Market Outlets	Wholesale or retail stores, farmers markets, roadside
Yield Potential	300- 600 25 lb crates/acre
Market Potential	Good- especially for colorful fruit types (red, yellow, purple, etc.).
Profit Potential	$0 to $3,000 per acre
Adapted Areas	Statewide
Labor Requirements	2 man-days per acre; weekly during harvest. Hand harvested
Equipment Requirements	Tractor, shredder, fertilizer applicator, disk, bedder, cultivator, planter, insect/disease sprayer, herbicide sprayer, irrigation system
Soil Requirements	Sandy or loam
Water Requirements	High - 25- 30 inches/season (2 to 3 inches per acre weekly) of high quality water
Minimum Size	1 acre
Risk Factor	High, one of the most difficult vegetables to grow.
Other Limiting Factors	Labor availability, price fluctuations, viruses, insects, sunburning, disease, rain and wind.
Additional Information
Comments	Strict size, grade and quality standards. High nutrient demand. Colored types (Red, yellow, purple, etc.) have niche market potential and normally comand higher prices than the green. Fruit easily bruises. Transplants readily.