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

28 Oct 11, Bruce (Australia - temperate climate)
It will just grow by itself something like a tomato plant and doesnt need to be chopped to produce nice fruit when it is ready. It may benefit from some staking the same as a tomato bush.
15 Oct 11, Diane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am living in Sub-Tropical, Coffs Harbour. I would like some helpful advise in growing Capsicums in this Region. I have tried planting in the ground and in pots but have not had any success. Any tips would be great. Di
23 Nov 11, Max (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Di Don't give up you can do it. You don't say at what point things go wrong- but I suggest you start with a small red capsicum (sweet pepper) from a local outlet. The smaller fruited ones ripen quickly and don't get fruit fly for me. The smaller fruited ones are tougher and get going quicker. And this is the exactly time of the year to start. They also produce more abundantly. Cheers Max
08 Oct 11, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
can I just plant seeds straight to garden?
07 Oct 11, kelvan (Australia - temperate climate)
I really dont have a lot of produce from capsicums. Is Margaret River region W.A realy classed as temperate or cool mountain?
11 Sep 11, Catherine (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I use the seeds from the capsicans that I have purchased from the super market?
23 Oct 11, aif (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes u can, just dry the seeds first.
01 Oct 11, Roberta (Australia - temperate climate)
You can, however if the variety is a hybrid, as most varieties grown for supermarkets are, it won't come true to type. This is OK for your own use but not if you are aiming to save seed of named varieties that you intend to donate, say, to a seed bank. If the variety was an open pollinated one then it should come out the same unless you have other varieties flowering nearby that will cross, even chillies!
11 Sep 11, (Australia - arid climate)
I think you can. we have planted seeds from the ones we buy at the markets and they grow well.
06 Sep 11, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried growing bell pepper capsicum from seeds, they were about 10cm big with about 2-3 sets of leaves and i tried to move them to a bigger container. i lost 3 out of 4 as they seem to wilt as soon as i moved them. i fertilised them and watered them in but what could i have done wrong, have i damaged the roots?
Showing 301 - 310 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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