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

18 Oct 09, the Sear family (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are first time veg growers and we need some advise! We have had some success with our other vegies but the no such luck with our capsicum seedlings. Can you use the seeds out of the supermarket brought capsicum.
01 Oct 09, Tamara (Australia - temperate climate)
For Annalisa: Capsicums are actually perennials, able to grow for years, but most people treat them as annuals as they're badly effected by frosts. You can always cheat a little if you live in a cold climate. Pot them up and bringing them indoors during winter, and transplant them back out in spring.
12 Sep 09, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a young capsicum plant approx 17cm. It got really damaged in high winds and rain and all the leaves are wilted. The stalk is still strong and green. Is it likely to come back to life or should I just start again?
16 Aug 09, Rod Cullen (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello I tried growing capsicum, the leaves get eating by insects & they die. Can you tell me a good repellent please. Cheers Rod
25 Jul 09, Annalisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Capsicum is a small plant, not a vine. If you want to grow capsicum from a store bought plant, make sure you chose one that is high quality ie. one that tastes great - judge a tree by it's fruit. Why use seed from an average capsicum? It's so easy though. Just stick it in the ground, it'll grow. Capsicum LOVE humidity, so wait to plant until mid-late spring, it'll fruit during the summer. My question is this: My capsicum plants from last year are still in the ground, leaves looking quite happy for the moment. Should they fruit again, or should I rip them out and start again, or wait and see? I have some new plants just in case, but it would be nice to get someone who knows if they'll fruit again. Thanks!
18 Jul 09, prue (Australia - temperate climate)
this is my firsttime at grow summer veg,do you grow Capsicums on a vine
18 Jul 09, janelle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am interested in growing capsicums and understand that i can purchase seeds, however, could they be grown from seeds in a purchased capsicum. I have been told that using seeds from grown plants is not always the best way. Your comment would be helpful. Regards, Janelle
02 Jul 09, Henry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try as I mjght.I have tried to find an image of a chili called 'Lonely Heart' but no matter what wording I type in the search engine I get links for a chilli pepper band, Lonely Heart clubs etc. Reason I want to view the fruit is I got given some seed as a bonus when I ordered some other variety seeds on the internet.
29 Jun 09, Will (Australia - temperate climate)
Tip for roasting capsicums: After taking capsicums from the oven (note they can be cooked directly on the flames on a gas cooktop), place the capsicums in a plastic bag (like you get from the fruit and veg shop) close off the bag and allow them to sit for 5-7 minutes. The skins will then literally fall off under cool tap water.
11 May 09, Annie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Having read the comments about zuchini's, regarding them growing them dropping off or rotting when a few centimetres long, it seems like this might be the same problem with the capsicums. With zuchini's, they drop off because they have not been pollinated so maybe the same solution of pollinating them by hand using a soft paint brush will work on capsicums also?
Showing 381 - 390 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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