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

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?
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.
Showing 341 - 350 of 519 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Capsicum

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.