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
23 Mar 14, Rod (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
G,day Robin i have found if i plant my capsicum and chile plants in pots around 20cm for one plant a larger pot will take two,mix a good fertilizer in for starters and a drink of liquid fertilizer weekly keep them moist i dont put a tray underneath just sit them on the dirt the bonus being you get the garden worms in your pots hope it works for you.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Feb 14, colin gardner (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the life span of a capsican plant? if it is more than one season what would i have to do to get it ready for the next season
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Feb 14, Bronwyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible for green capsicums to ripen off the plant?
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jan 14, Reg Wade (Australia - temperate climate)
l live in WAHGUNYAH (NEAR COROWA) and l would like to know is it to late to plant capsicum?
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jan 14, Esmeralda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
in ACT - should I rip up my capsicums or will they survive the winter?
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Jan 14, Marc Bouw (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted my capsicum a few weeks ago, they are doing well. Should I nip of the new flower buds to let them establish, if so, how long should I wait before I let produce? Thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Mar 14, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
G,day Marc once the plants have flowers on them i normally trim the bottom ones of to give the middle and top flowers a go seems to work for me.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Jan 14, Frank (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicum plants are about 20 cm high my problem is The flower formation happens but the bud drops off before The fruit develops can anyone help
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Feb 14, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes having the same problem, Does anyone have any answers on this one
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Feb 14, julian (Australia - temperate climate)
Very hot weather can shock the plant and cause the flowers to drop. It could also be magnesium or calcium deficiency. Try a couple of table spoons of epsom salts (for magnesium) around the base and some blood & bone (for calcium). Calcium will take a long time to uptake so be patient. good luck
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 271 - 280 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.