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  

(Best months for growing Capsicum in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings

August: Sow in pots

  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
22 Dec 18, David Maunder (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Do they need fertilising and if so what do you use
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Jan 19, Mem (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes they do,I use wally's strawberry fertilizer and a general liquid feed every 2 weeks.Its also a good idea to make sure they get enough calcium as this can effect the fruit.They will produce fruit without feeding but it is generally small and you get much less.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
All plants need a good fertiliser base - best to do before planting. Ask at a nursery or Bunnings etc. A good handful spread over a square meter or so - mix it in well a two weeks before planting. Or a good mixture of composted material dug in 2 weeks before.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Dec 18, Robert (Australia - temperate climate)
Will a single Capsicum plant bear fruit or do I need to plant multiple plants ?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Can plant single but 2-3 might be better. Might be better to plant at end of summer than now in the hot and wet season.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Nov 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you need to stake them or can they grow up a frame work?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Stake or use a frame - but tie them to it.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Oct 18, Helen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Just bought an orange lunchbox capsicum. Should I pinch out the top leaves to promote a more bushy plant?
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
I don't know. If you had several plants you could try it on one. Fertilise and watering well should produce a good bushy plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Oct 18, Katherine (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Other than basil is there anything else i can plant with capsicum like lettace and radishes, spring onion? As they are going to be in raised gardens im trying to maximise space
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 71 - 80 of 521 comments
See comments for all plants

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!

- Annalisa

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.