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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Could be a number of reasons ... A common ailment with capsicum is blossom-end rot. This condition just effects the fruit and not the plant blossom or flower. The condition gets its name because the symptoms appear at the ‘blossom end’ of the fruit. The first sign of blossom-end rot is that the end of the fruit becomes off-whitish to brown in colour and takes on a ‘sunken in’ appearance. As the fruit matures, these symptoms become more pronounced and the colour of the rot becomes dark brown to almost black. Blossom-end rot is caused by insufficient calcium supply. However, the most common cause is from irregular watering during the critical growing period of the young fruit. Even when calcium levels in the soil are sufficient, a plant receiving insufficient or irregular water will have difficulty absorbing and delivering calcium to the fruit. To control blossom-end rot. Boost the soil with calcium by adding lime, dolomite, gypsum or composted animal manures before planting the seedlings. Water regularly. Most capsicum crops continue to flower and bear fruit for prolonged periods of time, so ensure the soil around their roots is kept moist. Avoid fertilisers with a high nitrogen content. Nitrogen fertilisers will promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit, allocating calcium to the leaves instead of to the fruit.

- ej

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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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