California’s Coachella Valley bell pepper harvest is expected to begin about a week later than usual after cooler temperatures and rainfall slowed field progress. Despite the delay, overall production is expected to remain near average, although growers could see smaller pepper sizes and a slight decline in volume.
The delayed start could affect the timing of supplies as Coachella Valley production overlaps with the end of the green bell pepper harvest in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Meanwhile, Georgia has already begun shipping peppers.
Weather Pushes Back California Pepper Harvest
Recent cool weather and rain across the Coachella Valley have slowed crop development and field operations, pushing back the expected start of harvest.
Green bell pepper harvesting could continue into December, depending on weather conditions. Red bell peppers are expected to begin coming off fields in early November, with harvest potentially continuing through the end of the year.
The timing of the harvest will depend in part on how weather conditions develop over the coming weeks. Continued unfavorable conditions could affect both field progress and the quality and size of peppers reaching the market.
Production Expected Near Average
Despite the delayed start, Coachella Valley bell pepper production is forecast to remain near average overall. However, recent weather may lead to smaller peppers and a slight reduction in total volume.
These potential changes could influence the amount of product available as California’s growing regions transition between harvest periods. The overlap between Coachella Valley production and the end of the San Joaquin Valley’s green pepper harvest may help maintain supplies during the transition.
With Georgia already shipping peppers, multiple growing regions are contributing to the market as California’s fall harvest progresses.
Growers will continue watching weather conditions to determine how they affect harvest timing, pepper size and overall production. While the current outlook remains close to average, the final results will depend on conditions in the field through the remainder of the season.
Listen to the accompanying report for more on the delayed Coachella Valley bell pepper harvest and the outlook for California pepper production.