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

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27 Oct 16, Jen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thankyou so much for your reply! Some great tips there.
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24 Sep 16, Linda Hope 337gmail. com.au (Australia - tropical climate)
What is the best fertiliser for warm qld climate
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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.
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19 Jul 16, Julie moffitt (Australia - temperate climate)
I live at airline beach and i have so much trouble growing capsicum
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05 Jul 16, vidhi (Australia - temperate climate)
Is there any chemical that change capsicum colour?
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09 Oct 16, Wim (Australia - temperate climate)
Yeah sunshine and time
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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.
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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.
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18 Aug 16, Glenn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I only grow vegetables that are cheaper to grow than to buy - capsicum is amongst them.
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01 Jul 16, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
they are a bush type, they don't need a trellis.
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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.
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