Growing Capsicum, also Bell peppers, Sweet peppers

Capsicum annuum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              S S S S  
                T T T  
              P P P P  

(Best months for growing Capsicum in South Africa - Semi-arid 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

03 Apr 18, Rita Hochfellner (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
When plants are still very small (after planting them in field) should the small peppers be removed for plant to grow a bit bigger and stronger?? the plants are about 10cm high and already have little peppers on, looking forward to hearing from you speedily, have a super day further regards Rita
26 Mar 18, Steph (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ive planted my capsicum in Feb this year and they have grown nicely however they are pretty much the same size (the plant itself) and have been for about 3 weeks. Still quite small. They are healthy just really small still (approx 15cm high) is there anything I need to do to keep them growing. With a harvest est. In May, I just do see them being big enough to grow the harvest.
21 Mar 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
what weather conditions do capsicum plants grow in. do they grow better in the sun or the shade?
23 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They need sun and I believe in the warmer weather to pollinate.
18 Feb 18, Ken (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted well developed "red" capsicum seedlings mid November on well drained fertile soil. The plants grew vigorousely and needed staking. Most of the fruit showed white patches which enlarge with time an some were attacked by wasps and possibly birds. What might becthe cause?
12 Feb 18, Paiseelee Hape (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Will the plant keep growing after picking
13 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Most vegetables are annual - germinate - grow - fruit/seed and then die. The cycle of life.
10 Feb 18, Gerald (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Both chilli and bell peppers are growing exceptionally well but a bug is drilling a hole into the top of all of them. The bell peppers are filling up with water and rotting before I know it's happened. The chillis are ok to pick. Have cut the fruit open but I can't see anything inside. Any ideas?
22 Jan 18, zeta (Australia - temperate climate)
just learned about male and female capsicum my question is do I need both seeds or will they grow from either?
31 Jan 18, Brenda (Australia - temperate climate)
Capsicum are like cucumber, pumpkin etc. You plant any old seed of the variety you want and the plant comes up. It will then grow flowers. some flowers are male, and some are female (the female ones have a teeny tiny miniature fruit under them). Little creatures, often bees but some other pollinators too, will flit between the flowers and spread the pollen around fertilising any female (fruiting) flowers that are growing on the plant. Successful pollination, and you should get some capsicums pretty easily depending on when you plant them and where you live. Capsicum like hot weather and long growing season. Often treated an annual down south and a perennial up north. Good luck
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