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

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05 Jan 09, Liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Robyn, Rob and Diane, it seems likely that your capsicums are being attacked by a bacterial disease. You should be able to get some advice and assistance about treatment from your local plant shop.
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05 Jan 09, Diane (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same problem as Robyn - large soft spot rotting on capsicums - any clues?
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28 Dec 08, Rob (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My capsicum plants are growing really well, but as soon as the flower has fininshed a black area appears on the stem above and below where the flower joins the plant and it falls off. What could be wrong and how can I stop it please?
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18 Dec 08, Wayne (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi my caps and chillis are in my hothouse the temperatures can get up to 42cel is this too hot and will it affect their growth
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11 Dec 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Lucy, my capsicums have also been slow starting. I think the cool spring nights have slowed them down. You should see some improvement as the weather settles down.
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10 Dec 08, lucy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
how long do capsicums take to grow? because I put some in in september and they were allready seedlings and now their about 20cm tall but they are not flowering, why not???
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05 Dec 08, robyn (Australia - tropical climate)
Our capsicum plants grow lush and fast. The fruit gets to be about half size, then gets a sudden large soft spot which rots. They are in raised beds with well composted, mushroom compost, soil.
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09 Nov 08, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long does it usually take for the seeds to sprout?
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25 Oct 08, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
where do i buy crocodile manure
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21 Oct 08, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
What is best to spray my capsicum with. There is something attacking the leaves?
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Showing 481 - 490 of 518 comments
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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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