Capsicum also known as “bell pepper” or “Shimla Mirch”, is a widely grown vegetable in India. It is popular for its bright colors, crisp texture, and mild flavor. Capsicum is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals, making it a vital component in salads, stir-fries, pizzas, and processed foods.
Capsicum thrives in cool and temperate climates, and its cultivation is concentrated in regions like Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. With the increasing demand in both domestic and international markets, Indian farmers cultivate a variety of high-yielding, hybrid, and disease-resistant capsicum varieties to ensure better productivity and profitability.
This article highlights more than 10 top capsicum varieties in India, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and uses.
1. California Wonder
California Wonder is one of the most popular and widely grown capsicum varieties in India.
- Fruit Color: Green (ripens to red)
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, 4-lobed
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- High yield with firm, glossy fruits
- Suitable for open fields and polyhouse cultivation
- Average fruit weight: 150–200 grams
- Uses: Fresh consumption, stuffing, and salads
2. Indra
Indra is a high-yielding green capsicum hybrid popular for its productivity and quality.
- Fruit Color: Dark green
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, 3–4 lobes
- Maturity: 60–65 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Early-maturing variety with uniform fruits
- Tolerant to bacterial wilt and viral diseases
- Uses: Fresh markets and culinary purposes
3. Orobelle
Orobelle is a premium yellow capsicum hybrid with excellent market value.
- Fruit Color: Bright yellow
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, 4-lobed
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- High yield and attractive color
- Suitable for greenhouse and polyhouse cultivation
- Uses: Salads, stir-fries, and fresh markets
4. Bomby
Bomby is a high-quality red capsicum variety with good yield potential.
- Fruit Color: Red
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, 3–4 lobes
- Maturity: 65–70 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand
- Characteristics:
- High resistance to diseases like powdery mildew
- Consistent fruit quality and size
- Uses: Salads, pizza toppings, and processed foods
5. Bharat
Bharat is a popular hybrid variety grown for its green and red fruits.
- Fruit Color: Green (ripens to red)
- Fruit Shape: Blocky and uniform
- Maturity: 65–70 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- High yield with good disease tolerance
- Ideal for both protected and open-field cultivation
- Uses: Fresh markets, stuffing, and cooking
6. Natasha
Natasha is a premium yellow hybrid capsicum variety with excellent fruit quality.
- Fruit Color: Bright yellow
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, 3–4 lobes
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Attractive yellow color with thick walls
- Tolerant to diseases like bacterial wilt
- Uses: Salads, stir-fry, and fresh consumption
7. Green Gold
Green Gold is a high-yielding green capsicum variety, suitable for both open and protected cultivation.
- Fruit Color: Glossy dark green
- Fruit Shape: Blocky
- Maturity: 60–65 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity with uniform fruit size
- Tolerant to viral diseases
- Uses: Fresh consumption and stuffing
8. Red Knight
Red Knight is a premium red capsicum hybrid with large, blocky fruits.
- Fruit Color: Bright red
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, uniform
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High market value with excellent fruit quality
- Tolerant to bacterial wilt and leaf diseases
- Uses: Fresh consumption, salads, and processed products
9. Pusa Deepti
Pusa Deepti is an improved variety developed by IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute).
- Fruit Color: Green (ripens to red)
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, 4-lobed
- Maturity: 75–80 days
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High yield with uniform fruit shape
- Suitable for open-field cultivation
- Uses: Fresh markets and cooking
10. Sunbell
Sunbell is a hybrid yellow capsicum variety known for its high productivity and attractive color.
- Fruit Color: Golden yellow
- Fruit Shape: Blocky, thick walls
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Suitable for polyhouse and greenhouse cultivation
- Consistent size and quality
- Uses: Salads, fresh markets, and processed foods
11. Swarna
Swarna is a multi-colored capsicum variety that matures into green, yellow, or red fruits.
- Fruit Color: Green ripening to yellow or red
- Fruit Shape: Blocky and uniform
- Maturity: 65–70 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High-yielding hybrid with vibrant fruits
- Resistant to common viral diseases
- Uses: Salads, stir-fry, and cooking
Overall, Capsicum cultivation in India has seen significant growth due to its high market demand and profitability. Varieties like California Wonder, Indra, Orobelle, and Red Knight are ideal for both open-field and polyhouse cultivation, offering farmers high yields and excellent returns. By selecting disease-resistant and region-specific varieties, Indian farmers can maximize their productivity and meet the growing demands of domestic and export markets.
FAQs
Q1: Which capsicum variety is most commonly grown in India?
A: California Wonder and Indra are among the most commonly grown varieties due to their high yield and quality.
Q2: Which capsicum varieties are ideal for polyhouse cultivation?
A: Orobelle, Bomby, Natasha, and Sunbell are ideal for polyhouse and greenhouse cultivation.
Q3: What is the maturity period for capsicum?
A: Capsicum varieties typically mature within 60–80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety.
Q4: Which state is the largest producer of capsicum in India?
A: Karnataka is the largest producer of capsicum in India, followed by Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.
Q5: Which variety is best for yellow capsicum production?
A: Orobelle, Natasha, and Sunbell are premium varieties for yellow capsicum production.
