Bison Yellow Pepper: Description and characteristics of the variety, yield, reviews (photos)

Peppers are a rare addition to gardens and allotments in Russia. This vegetable's limited popularity stems from its fussiness: it grows poorly in temperate climates and often dies during cold nights. Achieving a large, flavorful harvest without a greenhouse is virtually impossible.

However, for vegetable gardening enthusiasts, the "Bison Yellow" variety was bred through selective breeding. This pepper variety thrives in southern Russia during the summer, and in other climates can be grown in a greenhouse without complex care. This plant is worth considering for home cooks and restaurant owners.

General characteristics of the variety: color, height, weight of fruits

The stems of the Bison are tall, ranging from 90 to 100 cm. This is the tallest among other pepper varieties.

Leaves grow along the entire length of the stem, attached by branches containing several leaves at once. Leaves can grow independently at the base of the stem. These leaves should be trimmed down to the bud to prevent nutrients from being wasted on unneeded parts. Proper pruning will result in juicier and crispier fruits.

Peculiarities of cultivation in Russian conditions

'Bison' is suitable for open-air planting in southern regions where summer night temperatures do not drop below -12-15°C. Minimum daytime temperatures are -20°C. Lower temperatures reduce yield. Gardeners in other, more northern regions should provide the plant with a greenhouse or other heated area.

In Russian conditions, bushes need to be watered periodically to prevent overheating and sunburn. This can be done using specialized devices or a hose with a small dispenser.

Timing of sowing and planting seedlings

Peppers can be sown in fertilized soil at the end of February. Don't scatter the seeds directly into the ground, where they will grow throughout the summer. First, prepare several trays for growing seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse.

The plants should be kept in the trays until warmer weather arrives. Planting usually occurs in late May. By this time, the vegetables are already beginning to set fruit. They are self-pollinating, so no additional pollination measures are necessary.

Before planting, you need to prepare not only special recesses sprinkled with fertilizer but also support elements for the plants. For small bushes, twigs up to 70 cm tall are suitable. The tops can then be tied to a common trellis system.

Productivity and ripening time

"Bison" is an early-ripening pepper. The first fruits appear within 85-100 days after planting. Moreover, the fruiting period is very long, continuing until late autumn under favorable conditions.

The vegetable yield is high. The entire stem from the first fork is covered with peppercorns. A single pepper can weigh up to 200 grams—an excellent weight for a pepper. The pepper wall is 0.5 cm thick. The peppercorns contain a lot of water, but have a rich flavor. The fruits are crisp and reach their peak ripeness by July. In southern regions of Russia, the first peppercorns can ripen as early as mid- to late May, and in temperate climates, even when grown in greenhouses, ripening begins in late June.

General care rules

To maintain the plant's health and rapid growth, standard care procedures are sufficient. These primarily include watering and trimming excess leaves. Water regularly, with the frequency determined by how quickly the soil dries out.

As the plant grows, it is necessary to re-tie the bush so that it does not break under its own weight or due to the influence of air currents.

To protect the roots, hilling is necessary. It's advisable to remove weeds near the plant and avoid planting it close to other crops. Close proximity to other plants will result in the pepper lacking nutrients.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Bison

This plant differs from other pepper varieties in its high tolerance to cold climates. The variety's parent is a heat-loving variety from Mexico. However, 'Bison' doesn't require the same warm climate conditions as its predecessor. And this is just one of the variety's many advantages.

Other advantages:

• in the southern part of Russia it does not require a greenhouse or additional moisture;
• Plant care involves standard procedures; no expensive fertilizers or complex techniques are required;
• purchasing and maintaining seedlings is inexpensive;
• when sold, the product pays for itself well;
• the fruits are large and heavy, so they are suitable for any dish;
• The variety has high taste qualities.

But the Bison variety also has its downsides. The main drawback is the need for a greenhouse in northern Russia and even in temperate climates. Peppers don't thrive in temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, and these regions are cool even in summer.

Other disadvantages:

• the plant has tall bushes that need to be constantly tied up;
• Due to the height of the stems, there is a high risk of them breaking in the wind, which will result in a loss of the harvest.

It's best to purchase this plant from experienced breeders and gardeners who can provide it with the necessary conditions, such as periodic moisture and the right temperature. If peppers are grown outside of a greenhouse, the fruits will be underdeveloped and will leave an unpleasant, bitter aftertaste when eaten.

Uses of the plant

'Bison' is suitable for both home and commercial cultivation. The peppers, which ripen gradually from late spring to late fall, can be sold in batches. The pepper has an attractive appearance—bright yellow, large, and juicy. Seed costs are minimal, so growing 'Bison' for commercial use pays for itself several times over.

The fruits can be used in cooking. The list of dishes prepared with peppers is extensive:

• stuffed peppers;
• vegetable salad;
• baked peppers;
• roast;
• fried peppers;
• grilled peppers.

Properly processed pepper pieces (grilling is recommended for the best flavor) can be used in sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. Yellow "Bison" peppers are popular in the restaurant industry and modern American cuisine chains.

Gardeners' reviews

Antonina Semenovna, 56 years old, Moscow region:

"I've been growing 'Bison' for three years now in a small greenhouse. It's an easy-to-grow variety, and timely watering and fertilization are sufficient for high yields. Last year, I forgot to trim the lower leaves, but I didn't notice any difference in fruit weight because of it."

Alexey Petrovich, 40 years old, Perm, private vegetable grower:

"I tried growing 'Yellow Bison' for sale this year. The fruits started ripening in June, and I was selling them until mid-October. Customers say the flavor is excellent."

Anastasia Viktorovna, 62 years old, Krasnodar:

"I've been growing 'Bison' for a long time for cooking and freezing for the winter. It grows well for me even without a greenhouse. It's delicious, the fruits are large, but tying up the stems is a hassle."

This vegetable has earned positive reviews from gardeners and is deservedly popular in various regions of Russia. "Bison" is an excellent crop for both commercial and home use. With minimal care, it produces decent fruit.