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

27 Jan 20, Mark Andersen (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
I live in Calgary, AB and was wondering when I should start my hot pepper plants indoors ... Thanks.
29 Oct 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to your climate zone and check it in the planting calendar guide. S = plant seeds undercover in trays.
21 Dec 19, Bj (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have 4 Capsicum plants and i use worm fertiliser and water on the days I can and i will all so use bath water and I have had flowers and that's it .
22 Dec 19, anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Depends whether you are using worm leachate or worm casting as fertiliser. I don't believe they have much NPK in them especially the leachate and I think you would have to use a lot to grow things. Although it says you can grow caps in summer I think it is far too hot to do so. Better a crop in autumn and early spring.
20 Dec 19, Elie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey guys, My capsicum plant is giving me a lot og capsicum but they are small and changing colors while they are still small... any advise on what might be the issue
22 Dec 19, anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Probably not enough fertiliser and also I feel it is too hot this time of year to grow caps.
10 Dec 19, Jenny Cathcart (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Should laterals be picked off capsicums? Thank you.
07 Dec 19, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
I’ve noticed my capsicum is very small this year same as last year. Has been in for about 6 wks and is only about 6-7 inches tall. Been regularly watered and fertilised?
10 Dec 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check the NPK of the fertiliser - seasol and similar things are not fertilisers. You would have to consider what the soil was like before you planted. Did you have another crop in before planting the caps. It would have used most of the nutrients up. What is the ph of the soil, the soil temp etc. Where I live we are having temps of 3+ degree above average and no rain. Too hot to grow most things I feel.
05 Dec 19, Graeme Mills (Australia - temperate climate)
I have one plant with lots of flowers but no capsicums in sight. This is the first time I have struck this as I've grown the very successfully in the past. I have a large net enclosing all of my vegie plants to keep the butterflies and birds away. They get plenty of water and fertilised with seasol about once a fortnight
Showing 41 - 50 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.