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

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07 Aug 08, Mary Ann Derequito (Australia - tropical climate)
I have grown capsicums as big as footballs using crocodile manure as a fertilizer. They bear from August to January. I have a special soil mix which I am prepared to share with anyone who is interested.
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06 Aug 08, laura (Australia - tropical climate)
We live on acreage in Far North QLD.Had the idea of growing caps and chillis but were informed it is too wet and we don't have enough sun.Is this true or is there a way around this?
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03 Aug 08, Rebecca (Australia - temperate climate)
My capcicums seem to be finished, all the leaves have wilted although they still have friut not fully grown...My question is. Do they have a life expenditure...Have mine just finished or do they need me to do somethoing...I have others that are still growing and looking healthy. They are different veriety..Please help....I hate to see them wilting..
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03 Aug 08, Rebecca (Australia - temperate climate)
My capcicums seem to be finished, all the leaves have wilted although they still have friut not fully grown...My question is. Do they have a life expenditure...Have mine just finished or do they need me to do somethoing...I have others that are still growing and looking healthy. They are different veriety..Please help....I hate to see them wilting..
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04 Jul 08, chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my caps, are all getting a tiny pin hole in them, and there is silk inside. would fine mesh restrict the sunlight
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15 Jan 08, liam pilsworth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
why wont my capsicums grow big like the ones in the shop do you have any ideas?
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14 Jan 08, margherita (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We live in subtropical Queensland, and have great difficulty in preventing capisum from falling prey to caterpillars. any suggestions?
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08 Jan 08, daniel (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
sally,i have approx 30-40 chilli plants which most are fruiting really well,but i have recently added 12 mexican chilli plants to my garden and they seem to having the same problem as yours.they are planted in containers and i always use the same fertilizers and potting mix as i know it works well on my existing plants.the new plants have almost become plastic like and the new growth at the top of the plant has become stunted-plant still is green and healthy looking though? i live in brisbane and we recently got a lot of rain followed by pretty extreme sunny hot days. also,can anyone advise me on knowing when your chillis are ready for picking,as all the seeds i used for my plants are from red chillis and i seem to have a lot of green fruit that has been on the plants for a few weeks going on a month.i would hat to waste them as i have had a few drop off which i have cut up and put in a jar of good olive oil-a awesome italian oil trick i got from a mates mother from italy-she provided me with my sedds.
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