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

31 Oct 09, mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello All. Can anyone tell me whats the best way to plant capsicum in the ground. I am new to this and want to learn the proper way to do it. Any advice will be most welcome. thank you.
26 Oct 09, Andy James (Australia - temperate climate)
You can use the seeds from commercial capsicums but these varieties have been developed to be grown under very specific conditions and require low pH and lots of fertiliser etc. I get much better results from bought seed (heirloom varieties) here in Perth, as they seem to be more suited to the general vegie bed conditions. Unless you have a specific spot for them and can be bothered messing about with the pH...
18 Oct 09, the Sear family (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are first time veg growers and we need some advise! We have had some success with our other vegies but the no such luck with our capsicum seedlings. Can you use the seeds out of the supermarket brought capsicum.
01 Oct 09, Tamara (Australia - temperate climate)
For Annalisa: Capsicums are actually perennials, able to grow for years, but most people treat them as annuals as they're badly effected by frosts. You can always cheat a little if you live in a cold climate. Pot them up and bringing them indoors during winter, and transplant them back out in spring.
12 Sep 09, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a young capsicum plant approx 17cm. It got really damaged in high winds and rain and all the leaves are wilted. The stalk is still strong and green. Is it likely to come back to life or should I just start again?
16 Aug 09, Rod Cullen (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello I tried growing capsicum, the leaves get eating by insects & they die. Can you tell me a good repellent please. Cheers Rod
25 Jul 09, Annalisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Capsicum is a small plant, not a vine. If you want to grow capsicum from a store bought plant, make sure you chose one that is high quality ie. one that tastes great - judge a tree by it's fruit. Why use seed from an average capsicum? It's so easy though. Just stick it in the ground, it'll grow. Capsicum LOVE humidity, so wait to plant until mid-late spring, it'll fruit during the summer. My question is this: My capsicum plants from last year are still in the ground, leaves looking quite happy for the moment. Should they fruit again, or should I rip them out and start again, or wait and see? I have some new plants just in case, but it would be nice to get someone who knows if they'll fruit again. Thanks!
18 Jul 09, prue (Australia - temperate climate)
this is my firsttime at grow summer veg,do you grow Capsicums on a vine
18 Jul 09, janelle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am interested in growing capsicums and understand that i can purchase seeds, however, could they be grown from seeds in a purchased capsicum. I have been told that using seeds from grown plants is not always the best way. Your comment would be helpful. Regards, Janelle
02 Jul 09, Henry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try as I mjght.I have tried to find an image of a chili called 'Lonely Heart' but no matter what wording I type in the search engine I get links for a chilli pepper band, Lonely Heart clubs etc. Reason I want to view the fruit is I got given some seed as a bonus when I ordered some other variety seeds on the internet.
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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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