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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29 Aug 19, DLS (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi, what variety is it? Was there a picture on the seed or plant you bought?
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12 Jun 19, Corry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
new to vege growing. Have noted on several vege instructions "P" for sowing seed and "S" for plant undercover in seed trays. Could someone explain the difference to me please?
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13 Jun 19, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Some seeds, e.g. capsicum, need more warmth or protection to germinate, so we suggest that they are started in seed trays or pots in a sheltered spot i.e cool greenhouse, covered patio or similar. Once established the seedlings can be planted out. Other seeds like broad beans can be sown direct, in the place where they will grow.
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26 May 19, Bec (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, My capsicum plant did nothing over summer and early autumn. Now it is heading into winter it is covered with capsicum. How can I get the fruit to maturity? Thanks
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10 May 19, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Finally had to pull out faithful old capsicum plant, getting very ratty and covered in knots , but still producing small fruit.
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09 Dec 18, Robert (Australia - temperate climate)
Will a single Capsicum plant bear fruit or do I need to plant multiple plants ?
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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.
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11 Nov 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you need to stake them or can they grow up a frame work?
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12 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Stake or use a frame - but tie them to it.
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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?
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Showing 41 - 50 of 430 comments
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Hi Barbara, I had the same thing happen last year, those plants somehow survived a very hot wet summer and through autumn produced masses of fruit and are also now producing masses of new fruit after I pruned them back hard and started applying a vegetable targeted liquid plant fertilizer with seaweed included. I also added lime around the plants and sprayed the leaves with a bit of epsom salts dissolved in water around the time I pruned them. Don't give up on these ones give them a prune at the end of winter and they will come back for you, if you live in a cooler area you may have to wait til spring but if you get no frost they will come back bigger and better when the weather warms up later this year, caps do last longer than one year and I find they produce much more in the second year than the first, when they put most effort into producing strong stem and branch to support the weight of the following years fruit. Honestly one plant that did this weird year long wait had about 11 fruit on it in March. Sometimes it's better when they start out slow, good luck mate.

- Alison McGregor

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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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