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

22 Nov 13, DrGreenThumb (Australia - temperate climate)
No. They are actually closely related. Transplanting can stunt growth or shock a plant. Consider this (and all) forums "just advice" Lettuce know how you go.
30 Oct 13, Tom (Australia - temperate climate)
Are there any native varieties?
28 Oct 13, shannon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I know it's probably just common sense but can you just use the seeds from a store bought capsicum and if so do you need to do anything before planting iedry them out? Tia
22 Nov 13, DrGreenThumb (Australia - temperate climate)
Personally I leave them on a windowsill for 3 days to dry, then refrigerate them for 4 weeks. I have a very high success rate with this method so I skip seed raising and plant the seeds out 20cm apart expecting 100% germination. Good luck
22 Oct 13, Jessica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do i tell the difference if its going to be a red, yellow or green plant?
11 Nov 13, Elsie (Australia - temperate climate)
They all start off green, and change colour as they ripen. They're edible when they're green, but you might prefer the taste once they ripen up. I don't know if there are any differences in the plant itself that tell you which variety (yellow, red, brown) it will be though sorry.
16 Oct 13, Tina Lockyer (Australia - temperate climate)
should capsicum and chilli plants be cut back in the winter?
15 Sep 13, Martha (Australia - temperate climate)
Yep, you are so right, my veggie garden is only 100cm!! so i only have one capsicum but yeah, that must have been a mistake...
10 Sep 13, faye pitt (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi do capsicum plants like cow & chook manner? thanks
15 Sep 13, ej (Australia - temperate climate)
Cow manure tends to have a low nutrient analysis because it comes from animals grazing on grass. This makes it great as a general purpose soil conditioner and great for phosphorous-sensitive native plants when it's well rotted. Raw Chook manure usually has the highest nutrient content and always has a higher nitrogen level, making it great for fertilising lawns and for use in the vegie garden. However, it needs to be mixed well with soil to reduce the impact of being over rich (hot). You don't need much. Note: High nitrogen levels can be a cause of Capsicum blossom-end rot which appears as sunken brown spots on the sides or end of the fruit.
Showing 231 - 240 of 428 comments

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

- Helen

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.