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

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!!!
23 Nov 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
try appling wuxal you can buy it at all good nerserys
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?
20 Oct 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
can u grow marigold around them?
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
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.
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?
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.
16 Sep 12, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have had a capsicum plant growing for >12months, regularly flowering and producing fruit (not heaps at the same time, but constantly has one or two on the go).
12 Jun 12, Raymond Rodrigues (Australia - temperate climate)
If i cut a capsicum and grow the seeds will it grow
Showing 271 - 280 of 428 comments

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

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.