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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
27 Oct 16, Jen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thankyou so much for your reply! Some great tips there.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Sep 16, Linda Hope 337gmail. com.au (Australia - tropical climate)
What is the best fertiliser for warm qld climate
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jul 16, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Just planting lots of different capsicum in next few days - seedlings. Previously have had lot of bugs attack them...after all Port Macquarie is bug central so would appreciate any hints - will put them near the parsley and basil that might help? Don't like sprays or poisons. Hope you can help thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Jul 16, Julie moffitt (Australia - temperate climate)
I live at airline beach and i have so much trouble growing capsicum
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jul 16, vidhi (Australia - temperate climate)
Is there any chemical that change capsicum colour?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Oct 16, Wim (Australia - temperate climate)
Yeah sunshine and time
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jun 16, lee (Australia - arid climate)
They are a small bush but put a stake in to help the bush stay firm and upright.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Jun 16, Andrea (Australia - temperate climate)
I relive that it's probably cheaper to buy them at the shops but just wanting to try my hand a growing capsicums, and a lot of my veggies for that matter. Do capsicums need to be grown on a trellis similar to beans or are they more like a tomato bush? Sorry for the weird question. I just want to make sure that I prepare the garden properly.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Aug 16, Glenn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I only grow vegetables that are cheaper to grow than to buy - capsicum is amongst them.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jul 16, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
they are a bush type, they don't need a trellis.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 161 - 170 of 518 comments
See comments for all plants

why wont my capsicums grow big like the ones in the shop do you have any ideas?

- liam pilsworth

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


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

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.