Oregon State University Extension Service


Are there male and female peppers?

Are these statements true, or are they myths: Male peppers have 3 bumps and female peppers have 4 bumps and female peppers are full of seeds but are sweeter and better for eating raw, while males are better for cooking?

These are garden myths!

By definition, all pepper fruits are ripened ovaries containing seeds formed after pollination. Those seeds will then form new pepper plants.

The bumps or lack thereof are primarily related to the variety and growing conditions. Sweetness is usually a factor of ripeness. Thus, red bell peppers are sweeter than green ones.


Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/are-there-male-female-peppers