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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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.
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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
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08 Feb 14, Bronwyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible for green capsicums to ripen off the plant?
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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?
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26 Jan 14, Esmeralda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
in ACT - should I rip up my capsicums or will they survive the winter?
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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
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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.
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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
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07 Feb 14, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes having the same problem, Does anyone have any answers on this one
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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
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