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 S S
T T               T T T

(Best months for growing Capsicum in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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
05 Nov 14, solomon wambugu (Australia - temperate climate)
Am planning to start the growth of capsicum plant yet i don.t know the conditions it requires:temperatures,altitude, soil type, soil PH and the season.also where can I get the seeds as they are not locally available from my area as I have come from the remotest area in the sub saharan country by the name Kenya, a place called Laikipia north which is uninhabited and most referred to as the driest part and I want to make it productive.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Oct 14, anne (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown plants from store-bought capsicums very successfully & they are now about 12 inches tall but would like to know if they need to be staked & do I just feed then liquid seaweed fertiliser. Also how long before the fruit appears
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Oct 14, ken (Australia - temperate climate)
Do capsicum need to be staked
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Oct 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, stake your your plants. They are akin to tomatoes and grow the same way outdoors. the plant can grow 2.0m high. You can use a liquid potash solution or liquid fish solution for best results.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Dec 14, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Do mini capsicums need to be staked? I bought some Bello Rosso seeds & have planted tonight.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Oct 14, helen creeley (Australia - temperate climate)
Why is my capsicum plant getting yellow tips on the leaves and what remedy do you recommend
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Aug 14, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Live in Melbourne and have dried out some seeds of a supermarket capsicum. Should I plant the seeds now or wait a little while longer??
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Aug 14, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Sow them now inside in trays, plant them out in 4-6 weeks time.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jul 14, peter (Australia - temperate climate)
deterrent from wasps laying there eggs in them,i have to pick them early due to the wasps destroying them.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 May 14, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
Your capsicum and chilli plants of all varieties will sit dormant like a dead stick for the winter months. Prune as you would a Hibiscus or rose and keep up the fortnightly seaweed/liquid fertilizer as the roots are still strong. Each year the yield will be larger and more prolific. My second year banana capsicum tree which is 2 metres tall produced 3 times from October till march. Stay loyal!
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 191 - 200 of 428 comments
See comments for all plants

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.