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

03 Dec 12, Stan (Australia - temperate climate)
i planted our capsicum seedlings 4 weeks ago and they were travelling quite well. then overnight something has come along and stripped every leaf off all plants and just left the stalk. What is the likely think that did this? also will they recover?
19 Jan 13, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
the same thing has happened to me overnight! I once had a healthy, about 40cm plant, and now all I have is stalk. I hope that it can recover... I am not sure who did this to it either! Also had by Chilli plant attacked, where all the chillis were taken off and half eaten - they havnt touched the leaves.
19 Nov 12, Nat (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicums are tiny, haven't grown much at all, but the leaves are all turning inward/curling up.... HELP!!!
23 Nov 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
try appling wuxal you can buy it at all good nerserys
16 Nov 12, sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
I have capsicums in my garden, they are very healthy looking, but the fruit is small - maybe 4-5cm and start to ripen. the skin is very thin and full of seeds. what am I doing wrong?
20 Oct 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
can u grow marigold around them?
15 Oct 12, Angie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Might be suffering from lack of water if you are east coast. Suggest regular deep watering and see if that helps
01 Oct 12, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi All, Can someone please tell me when planting capsicums in the garden do they reqiure full sun or can they be planted in part shade. Cheers
02 Oct 12, alice (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, on the ticket that came with my capsicum plant it says full sun for at least six hours per day.
01 Oct 12, Meagan (Australia - temperate climate)
My plant has been in the garden for about 6 months and has grown quite big. It did prduce some proper, edible fruit, but it's had lots of really little fruit on it for months now which just won't get bigger or go red. Should I trim, pull out or leave?
Showing 331 - 340 of 518 comments

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

- liam pilsworth

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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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