Does anyone know, if once a pepper changes color does it stop growing? Just asking because my bell peppers have changed to a bright red color. And I take it as done a sign that its done. But my husband said not to cut them off because it still needs to grow. Moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
They mature as the color changes but I am not sure they actually grow any larger. But you could experiment and leave a couple on it to see if they do. You can pick them at any stage of growth but the longer you leave them on the vine the darker the color and the sweeter they will be. To have a continued crop through the season, keep the peppers picked, if you leave a plant loaded with peppers, it is likely to stop producing and your crop will be small in number.
I have doubts that your pepper will grow any larger. What you will now have to look out for is that the fruit does not become woody. You will notice brown striations if it does. You want to have picked the pepper before that happens. Another thing that may happen is that if it stays on the plant too long it actually becomes soft and floppy--in fact decomposing on the plant. I see under your pic that you live in Florida, that may mean that you will have a nice, long growing season. If you keep your plants picked properly, then it may continue flowering. The flowers will give you more fruits. Of course you have to feed the plant and water it from time to time. Good luck there.
Thank you so much for all the wonderful advice. I will go head and leave two peppers on the plant to see if they will get bigger. Thanks so much!
