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

13 Mar 14, Bec D (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am having the same issue!! I have a few bell capsicums and a long sweet capsicum, the long ones are growing very fast but the others are smaller than a golf ball and not growing past that!
08 Mar 14, ROBIN Glover (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was given capsicum plants which were ready to plant out. They didn't grow any bigger than a foot high and only produced very small fruit. They were supposed to be a big plant with big fruit. I have them in a raised bed which was prepared with cow manure, hay and shredded paper with good soil. This is the second time I have tried to grow them. What could be the problem. Can anyone help me. Robin.
23 Mar 14, Rod (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
G,day Robin i have found if i plant my capsicum and chile plants in pots around 20cm for one plant a larger pot will take two,mix a good fertilizer in for starters and a drink of liquid fertilizer weekly keep them moist i dont put a tray underneath just sit them on the dirt the bonus being you get the garden worms in your pots hope it works for you.
14 Feb 14, colin gardner (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the life span of a capsican plant? if it is more than one season what would i have to do to get it ready for the next season
08 Feb 14, Bronwyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible for green capsicums to ripen off the plant?
26 Jan 14, Reg Wade (Australia - temperate climate)
l live in WAHGUNYAH (NEAR COROWA) and l would like to know is it to late to plant capsicum?
26 Jan 14, Esmeralda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
in ACT - should I rip up my capsicums or will they survive the winter?
19 Jan 14, Marc Bouw (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted my capsicum a few weeks ago, they are doing well. Should I nip of the new flower buds to let them establish, if so, how long should I wait before I let produce? Thanks
23 Mar 14, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
G,day Marc once the plants have flowers on them i normally trim the bottom ones of to give the middle and top flowers a go seems to work for me.
14 Jan 14, Frank (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicum plants are about 20 cm high my problem is The flower formation happens but the bud drops off before The fruit develops can anyone help
Showing 211 - 220 of 428 comments

Just bought an orange lunchbox capsicum. Should I pinch out the top leaves to promote a more bushy plant?

- Helen

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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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