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

03 Mar 09, nancy (Australia - temperate climate)
fruit fly attack on capsicum we need to know can we cover the plant or will this stop pollination?
03 Mar 09, Hannah (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a problem that sounds similar to some others... the plant will produce one flower begin to grow a capsicum and then it just falls off. Sometimes the flower bud doesn't even open and drops off. How can I stop this from happening? The plant is about 6 months old.
16 Feb 09, Jeannette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What makes capsicums turn brown and rot just around the stem??
31 Jan 09, Louisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a problem with capsicums that fall off when small and green. i can eat them like this, but would like to have the choice and get some bigger and / or red ones too. could an animal be knocking them off the bush? the plant seems quite delicate?
21 Jan 09, sarju (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi i am a farmer son. i want to know how to grow capsicum,and what type of a fertilizer should i use...and at wat time i have to plant .andfrom where should i get seeds of capsicum......
19 Jan 09, cal (Australia - temperate climate)
We have had our capsicums for a couple of years now and they still produce crop every season if they are not let too dry out
12 Jan 09, Aaron (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicum plants seem to get flower buds before their actually tall enough to get normal size fruit,should i just keep picking the flower buds out from the middle growing tip until the plants are tall enough to produce a normal size fruit?
05 Jan 09, Liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Robyn, Rob and Diane, it seems likely that your capsicums are being attacked by a bacterial disease. You should be able to get some advice and assistance about treatment from your local plant shop.
05 Jan 09, Diane (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same problem as Robyn - large soft spot rotting on capsicums - any clues?
28 Dec 08, Rob (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My capsicum plants are growing really well, but as soon as the flower has fininshed a black area appears on the stem above and below where the flower joins the plant and it falls off. What could be wrong and how can I stop it please?
Showing 401 - 410 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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