Growing Capsicum, also Bell peppers, Sweet peppers

Capsicum annuum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Feb	Mar	Apr	May
S	S
		T	T
		P	P

(Best months for growing Capsicum in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays
T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
P = Sow seed

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 20 - 50 cm apart
Harvest in 10-12 weeks. Cut fruit off with sharp knife.
Compatible with (can grow beside): Egg plant (Aubergine), Nasturtiums, Basil, Parsley, Amaranth

Your comments and tips

11 May 20, Andrew (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Hi ,when is the best time to plant peppers,as it is already nearing the winter season.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 May 20, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate): the top of the page tells you.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Apr 20, Egmo (Australia - temperate climate): Why do the young fruit fall off the capsicum bush ?
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Apr 20, Kath (New Zealand - temperate climate): I have a green and yellow bell pepper plant that are still producing, although the yellow ones are black and I’m not sure if they will turn yellow. Shouldn’t they have finished producing by now? We are still getting some sunny days but the days are shorter and cooler, I’m just wondering if these peppers will reach maturity now we are in Autumn?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate): If you have had a good/great crop I would be happy with that. They may produce but what is the quality like?
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Mar 20, David harris (Australia - temperate climate): My capsicums have just been harvested, should I prune them back (can I prune them) and hope for another crop next season or pull them out and wait to plant seedlings next season.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Apr 20, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate): Ive had the same plants in for 3 years and they reproduce every year. This is the best year yet.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Capsicums will produce over several weeks months. Generally you pull them out when finished.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Jan 20, Fran Scott (Australia - temperate climate): Hi, Our capsicum plants are loaded with fruit and are flowering profusely. To increase the size of the fruit do we thin the fruit or just let them keep growing. Thank you any advice will be appreciated.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jan 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I would suggest you stake and support the plants. You probably could do both, leave all flowers on some and trim others. Good watering and fertilising will produce good size fruit.
Reply or Post a new comment

Showing 31 - 40 of 519 comments

See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Capsicum

Your name

Where are you?

Email address

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply

Your question, comment or advice

All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Capsicum, also Bell peppers, Sweet peppers

Capsicum annuum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Your comments and tips

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Capsicum

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Capsicum, also Bell peppers, Sweet peppers

Capsicum annuum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Your comments and tips

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Capsicum

Become A Supporter!

Planting Reminders