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

23 Jun 17, Linda Botha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good evening. We live in Port Elizabeth in Broadwood/Charlo area. Grow Chillies successfully. I would like to know if I can trim my 2 meter bushes before spring to be able to yield in September. Enjoy your web site thank you.
16 Sep 12, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have had a capsicum plant growing for >12months, regularly flowering and producing fruit (not heaps at the same time, but constantly has one or two on the go).
12 Jun 12, Raymond Rodrigues (Australia - temperate climate)
If i cut a capsicum and grow the seeds will it grow
20 Jun 12, James (Australia - temperate climate)
Signs point to yes. Although hybrids may not produce well when seed is saved, the capsicum in the shops is most likely a hybrid. Genetically modified seeds won't sprout, but I doubt they will be GM. I would buy my own seeds.
05 May 12, Scott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, my capsicums never seem to work out. The plant doesn't seem to grow much at all and the leaves go sport tosh and brown and yellowish. They are in well fertilised (liquid and pellet) could lime perhaps be needed?
17 Apr 12, Ray (Australia - temperate climate)
I have one capsicum bush in a small planter box it grew with about 8 small fruits (green) and not real large before they look as if they were starting to burn. After picking the fruit I wish to know will more fruit bloom from the one plant. Ray in suburban WA.
01 Sep 12, Dean (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ray, Read comments from the 28th from Kay, sound like the same problem. Will change colour the longer you leave them on the plant. I find the red ones a little bit sweeter. I am no expert but i have found capsicum one of the most easy vegetables to grow. Plant will not reproduce more capsicums.
19 Mar 12, rae (Australia - temperate climate)
my capsicums are bitter raw and cooked any one know why
09 Mar 12, Llane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some capsicum plants and one of them has 2 fruits already and growing well. This morning I discovered that the new fruit fall down on the ground and then I check the big one but it is detached from the plant. Why this happened? We live in Capalaba,Brisbane... any help, thank you.
07 Mar 12, simone (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in the northern suburb of perth wa and i am growing 3 capsicum plants in an old water tank. I purchased proper vegetable soil and fertilise weekly with seasol and npk every 2 weeks and water nearly every day, due to the hot weather we have at the moment. I have lots of healthy fruit, but have noticed that the leaves on one of the plants have turned yellow, what could be making them turn yellow?
Showing 341 - 350 of 518 comments

If this happened suddenly, it was probably hornworm caterpillars--they can strip a plant almost overnight. I placed a bird feeder near my peppers and tomatoes, and birds are kindly taking care of the problem for me...but in the short run you might want to dust with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). It's organic, considered highly safe, and will stop the caterpillars from feeding.

- colleen

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