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                  
      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 64°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 20 inches 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

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30 Dec 16, Dawn (Australia - temperate climate)
My long capsicums have developed soft brown spots & streaks. It doesn't look like the pictures I've seen of blossom end rot, And the local nursery said I had a fungal problem, I've sprayed with an eco fungicide however the problem is getting worse. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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18 Dec 16, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm just wondering whether capsicum plant can survive over winter?
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08 Jan 17, Bob Bradley (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a capsicum plant that is now 3 years old and producing a bumper crop so they certainly can withstand an Adelaide winter. Cheers.
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20 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Capsicums, like tomatoes, are perennial and will last over winter in a frost free area. We mostly treat them as an annual for convenience. they can get untidy into their second year. if you have healthy plants and no frost there is no reason why you can't cut the plants back or remove the 'leggy' bits and let them keep growing. The other reason we normally treat them as annuals is so we can plant them each year in fresh soil and reduce the effect of any soil-born diseases. Trust this helps.
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17 Dec 16, Denise (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can I grow capsicum in the same soil that I grew tomato's in last year.
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20 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Capsicums belong to the Solanum family which also includes - potatoes, tomatoes and egg plant (aubergine). They are all susceptible to the same diseases with varying degrees so it is better to plant them in a new location. This is called crop rotation and prevents the build up of soil born diseases and pests. If you have no alternative, replenish the soil with good compost and use a liquid amendment like Seasol to ensure strong healtrhy plants. it's worth a try. Trust this helps.
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05 Dec 16, Julie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I picked my first capsicum they looked fine on the outside but when i cut them they were full of small maggots what should i do.
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24 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
These maggots are fruit fly larvae. As an alternative to chemical sprays you could cover the whole plant with fly mesh or tuille to stop the adult flies from laying their eggs in the fruit. Trust this helps.
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29 Oct 16, Vanessa (Australia - temperate climate)
Can i plant capsicum seeds direct in the garden bed now that its a bit warmer?
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20 Oct 16, Michelle Kidd (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've tried growing capsicum over the last few years but they are always bitter. How do we sweeten them up please? Cheers, Michelle.
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Showing 151 - 160 of 521 comments
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sally,i have approx 30-40 chilli plants which most are fruiting really well,but i have recently added 12 mexican chilli plants to my garden and they seem to having the same problem as yours.they are planted in containers and i always use the same fertilizers and potting mix as i know it works well on my existing plants.the new plants have almost become plastic like and the new growth at the top of the plant has become stunted-plant still is green and healthy looking though? i live in brisbane and we recently got a lot of rain followed by pretty extreme sunny hot days. also,can anyone advise me on knowing when your chillis are ready for picking,as all the seeds i used for my plants are from red chillis and i seem to have a lot of green fruit that has been on the plants for a few weeks going on a month.i would hat to waste them as i have had a few drop off which i have cut up and put in a jar of good olive oil-a awesome italian oil trick i got from a mates mother from italy-she provided me with my sedds.

- daniel

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