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

19 May 12, Randy (Australia - temperate climate)
They might not be getting pollenated, also give it a boost with pot-ash.
13 Dec 11, Tracey (Australia - temperate climate)
Blossom drop is common early in the season. The number one cause is that temperatures are not yet quite right. Like tomatoes, if it is too cool or too hot fruit will not set. Capsicums like night time temps to be above about 16 C for fruit set. Also if daytime temps are too high (above about 35) fruit will not set. There is probably minor variation among varieties in the actual optimal temperature range, but you get the idea...Generally patience is the only remedy required. Other possible causes are not enough airflow (capsicums are primarily wind pollinated), too much nitrogen, not enough water, too much water...
07 Dec 11, cherry rotella (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I planted red capsicums in august. They are growing tall, lots of foliage. Very tiny peppers are appearing but they are not growing any bigger. They appear to be turning brown and falling off.
20 Nov 11, susan (Australia - temperate climate)
hi, dose any one know why my capsicums are getting black patches on them and have a sogy mush inside behind the black patch, we are in geraldton WA (400ks nrth of Perth). thank you for your help.
22 Nov 11, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
could be "Blossom End Rot" ?
16 Oct 11, lily (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a capscicum plant that is 20cm high with 4 flowers at the very top. Should I chop them to allow the plant to grow more, I have read that I should have chopped the central stalk when it was 15cm tall to allow the side stems to produce more fruit?
28 Oct 11, Bruce (Australia - temperate climate)
It will just grow by itself something like a tomato plant and doesnt need to be chopped to produce nice fruit when it is ready. It may benefit from some staking the same as a tomato bush.
15 Oct 11, Diane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am living in Sub-Tropical, Coffs Harbour. I would like some helpful advise in growing Capsicums in this Region. I have tried planting in the ground and in pots but have not had any success. Any tips would be great. Di
23 Nov 11, Max (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Di Don't give up you can do it. You don't say at what point things go wrong- but I suggest you start with a small red capsicum (sweet pepper) from a local outlet. The smaller fruited ones ripen quickly and don't get fruit fly for me. The smaller fruited ones are tougher and get going quicker. And this is the exactly time of the year to start. They also produce more abundantly. Cheers Max
10 Oct 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes you can I have great results from organic ones only
Showing 361 - 370 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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