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  
                  T T  

(Best months for growing Capsicum in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings

August: Sow in pots

  • 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 18°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 50 cm 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
03 Dec 19, Jason (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had the same thing last year (on the coast south of Sydney), particularly getting burned on the west-facing side, from the hot afternoon sun. The UV seemed to be particularly strong last summer. My cucumber vines all got fried before producing any fruit, unlike the year before which had a good crop. Shade cloth might be the way to go
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Dec 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can buy 30% shade cloth.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 19, Beth (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought some tall leggy capsicum seedlings. Can I plant the deep into the soil like tomatoes or should the soil be at the same level?
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You probably could. Don't buy leggy seedlings.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Nov 19, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Tomatoes planted deep produce more roots up the stem that is in the soil. Caps probably don't meaning the root system is 4-6-8
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
the root system is 4-6-8
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Nov 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When planting the roots deep remember you have to be able to get water down that far when watering.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 19, Blake Stanvic (Australia - temperate climate)
What colour is my capsicum meant to be, it is pink. I don't know if thats normal.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Aug 19, DLS (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi, what variety is it? Was there a picture on the seed or plant you bought?
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 428 comments
See comments for all plants

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.

- daniel

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.