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

27 Nov 15, Tony (Australia - tropical climate)
Is it possible that capsicums will survive if they are transplanted from tray into pots?
26 Nov 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible that capsicums will survive if they are transplanted from tray into pots?
27 Nov 15, Garden of Earthy Treasures (Australia - arid climate)
Best to use a deep pot to avoid root disturbance, but yes is the answer. Divide the tray as best you can and pot to same depth, liquid seaweed solution applied and they will love you for it.
30 Oct 15, Annie (Australia - temperate climate)
just starting out with my veggie garden ....I bought some Capsicum plants from the nursery they are about 5 or 6cm in height they have been in the ground for 3 or 4 weeks but are not growing at all now 2 out of the 6 look like they are starting to die what am I doing wrong ? I have put worm wee ( diluted) on them once a fortnight is this ok ?
06 Nov 15, Sandra (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Annie About half of my capsicum plants don't thrive, putting out tiny fruit. I don't know why either. If you don't get a reply here try Australian Gardening Group on Facebook, they're fabulous.
13 Sep 15, robert (Australia - temperate climate)
DO CAPSICUM NEED A LOT OF WATER AND DO THEY NEED A LOT OF FERTILZER
15 Sep 15, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They need much the same as tomatoes. Regular watering so they don't wilt and grow in a well-fertilized bed. I top mine up with very dilute seaweed fertilizer in the watering as they grow.
02 Sep 15, Sarah (Australia - arid climate)
My lovely big bushy plant that gave me spectacular fruit last year has leaves that are all curled up and kind of disease looking. I was hoping for another season out of it, any tips?
22 Aug 15, Beryl (Australia - temperate climate)
Do capsicum plants last only for one season or can they be kept for a number of years?
25 Aug 15, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes they can last over winter if you look after them. Google "over wintering "...
Showing 151 - 160 of 428 comments

Just planting lots of different capsicum in next few days - seedlings. Previously have had lot of bugs attack them...after all Port Macquarie is bug central so would appreciate any hints - will put them near the parsley and basil that might help? Don't like sprays or poisons. Hope you can help thanks.

- Robyn

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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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