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

13 Sep 15, robert (Australia - temperate climate)
DO CAPSICUM NEED A LOT OF WATER AND DO THEY NEED A LOT OF FERTILZER
15 Sep 15, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They need much the same as tomatoes. Regular watering so they don't wilt and grow in a well-fertilized bed. I top mine up with very dilute seaweed fertilizer in the watering as they grow.
02 Sep 15, Sarah (Australia - arid climate)
My lovely big bushy plant that gave me spectacular fruit last year has leaves that are all curled up and kind of disease looking. I was hoping for another season out of it, any tips?
22 Aug 15, Beryl (Australia - temperate climate)
Do capsicum plants last only for one season or can they be kept for a number of years?
25 Aug 15, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes they can last over winter if you look after them. Google "over wintering "...
15 Feb 15, Bob (Australia - temperate climate)
The long yellow peppers are banana peppers. They can be sweet or hot, most likely sweet. They are great pickled on sandwiches and or used in stir fries. Do a quick search for banana peppers and you should find all the information you need.
11 Feb 15, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have been growing Californian Capsicums in pots, the fruit on the plant are the size of a golf ball and have been this size for about 6 weeks but seem not to be getting any bigger. Any thoughts
11 Feb 15, Philip Lumley (Australia - temperate climate)
Do capsicum plants need to be staked for support when growing
07 Feb 15, wale (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Can I plant red bell pepper seeds directly into the ground without transplantation from the beginning In Nigeria, West Africa and how long can a red pepper plant produce continuously?
07 Feb 15, Charlotte (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Capsicum rotting from inside out. Look like they are wilting and soft. Can we redig the rotten ones into the patch? We have had very hot summer in QLD, would that be a factor. We currently have chillis growing without much problem in the same patch. Some chillis are a bit soft and wilted looking,but we have had a great success with the chillis. Cooking chillis does that make them less hot? As we are finding they aren't that hot. Also how do we dry chilli? Thanks
Showing 211 - 220 of 519 comments

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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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