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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22 Apr 17, Helena (Australia - temperate climate)
as I cut and deseeded my red capsicum, there was 2 little balls with a green stem, would that be plantable?
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23 Apr 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
It is likely to be just a superficial growth in the seed cavity.
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23 Mar 17, Monique Bentham (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have had the same issue with a few of my capsicums, after research I think the brown streaks are due to a mineral deficiency.
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25 Jan 17, Wendy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted capsicum seedlings last October however they haven't seemed to have grown at all. I have fertilized them and watered them, used mulch but nothing :(. This is also happening to my eggplant seedlings which I planted at the same time. Please help
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26 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I don't know where you live but I live in South-eastern Australia and we have had hot days followed by cold days and the same inconsistency with rainfall. My eggplants are well manured and composted and have started to flower but are only about 30 or 40 cmss high. Now that we are having some more consistent weather I am looking forward to some better results. Trust this helps.
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17 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm in the sub tropical - Bundaberg. Over the years I have had very good caps and other years not so - little deformed fruit. I start planting in late Feb March. I have read recently that caps are a spring crop (Aug- Sept planting) so maybe that is the answer. I started some from seed and they are now about 10" high and looking good. My thoughts might be you planted a bit late. It starts to become very dry and hot by Dec and into January hot wet and windy. I don't grow things from Nov to Feb because of the different/difficult weather conditions in summer. It is a time I put some mulch and compost back into my soil.
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09 Jan 17, (Australia - temperate climate)
How do you know when to pick capsicum?
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16 Jan 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pick them to eat when they are big enough! if you want an early feed. They are great stuffed and roasted when they are small. Green 'bell' capsicums will continue to mature and become yellow, orange or red. Longer capsicums will normally change to a bright yellow or red. It's mostly a personal thing. Trust this helps.
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30 Dec 16, Dawn (Australia - temperate climate)
My long capsicums have developed soft brown spots & streaks. It doesn't look like the pictures I've seen of blossom end rot, And the local nursery said I had a fungal problem, I've sprayed with an eco fungicide however the problem is getting worse. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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18 Dec 16, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm just wondering whether capsicum plant can survive over winter?
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Showing 91 - 100 of 428 comments
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"Do I need bees for pollination? No, bees are not important for pollination. Although you may see plenty of bees in the patch, capsicum is self-pollinated. Bush movement due to wind is sufficient for pollination". You probably have no wind inside the house. Also I have read caps need the temp above a certain temperature to pollinate. I wouldn't recommend growing anything inside - plants need sun - some more than others. Plants like caps and tomatoes need wind to pollinate. Others need bees.

- Mike

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