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 12, Stan (Australia - temperate climate)
i planted our capsicum seedlings 4 weeks ago and they were travelling quite well. then overnight something has come along and stripped every leaf off all plants and just left the stalk. What is the likely think that did this? also will they recover?
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19 Jan 13, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
the same thing has happened to me overnight! I once had a healthy, about 40cm plant, and now all I have is stalk. I hope that it can recover... I am not sure who did this to it either! Also had by Chilli plant attacked, where all the chillis were taken off and half eaten - they havnt touched the leaves.
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19 Nov 12, Nat (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicums are tiny, haven't grown much at all, but the leaves are all turning inward/curling up.... HELP!!!
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23 Nov 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
try appling wuxal you can buy it at all good nerserys
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16 Nov 12, sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
I have capsicums in my garden, they are very healthy looking, but the fruit is small - maybe 4-5cm and start to ripen. the skin is very thin and full of seeds. what am I doing wrong?
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20 Oct 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
can u grow marigold around them?
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01 Oct 12, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi All, Can someone please tell me when planting capsicums in the garden do they reqiure full sun or can they be planted in part shade. Cheers
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02 Oct 12, alice (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, on the ticket that came with my capsicum plant it says full sun for at least six hours per day.
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01 Oct 12, Meagan (Australia - temperate climate)
My plant has been in the garden for about 6 months and has grown quite big. It did prduce some proper, edible fruit, but it's had lots of really little fruit on it for months now which just won't get bigger or go red. Should I trim, pull out or leave?
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23 Jun 17, Linda Botha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good evening. We live in Port Elizabeth in Broadwood/Charlo area. Grow Chillies successfully. I would like to know if I can trim my 2 meter bushes before spring to be able to yield in September. Enjoy your web site thank you.
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Showing 271 - 280 of 430 comments
See comments for all plants

Ive had capsicums and chillies over winter and they usually come good once it warms up. I prune them back and when it gets warmer you should find new leaves starting to emerge. Give it a good feed. The old leaves will eventually drop off. I had a chilli plant live for several years in a pot.

- Corinna Wildenauer

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