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                  
      T T              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Capsicum in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 64°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 20 inches 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

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30 Jan 21, Solomon Mareme Seepe (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Where should I get capsicum chemical in South Africa around Johannesburg?
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23 Jan 21, Vickie (Australia - temperate climate)
First time growing mini yellow capsicum. There are heaps on the Bush mainly green going to orange. When do I pick them
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25 Jan 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
You can pick, green, orange or wait until yellow.
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14 Jan 21, nesane (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
right time to plant green pepper and its fertilizer program limpopo wambath
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18 Jan 21, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Check the planting guide here and just start with good rich free draining soil.
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21 Oct 20, Elliot Vardis (Australia - temperate climate)
Sweet baby capsicums, can they be grown in pots? If so, what would be the most suitable size pot considering they grow to 40 cm tall. I thank you in anticipation. Elliot.
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21 Oct 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try a pot as wide as the plant grows.
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05 Sep 20, Vic Earle (Australia - temperate climate)
A couple of capsicum plants against a northeast faceing wall have survived the winter. Almost all the leaves have survived but are now curling up should I remove them?
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07 Sep 20, Corinna Wildenauer (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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25 Jul 20, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicums have been stripped bare just the stem left about 14 to 16 cm high mind you it hasn't happened to the bigger one's. any advice especially on pesticides?
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Showing 21 - 30 of 521 comments
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Tamara: Thanks! Perennial, yay! I DID keep those plants from last year in the ground, and they have 2 fruit each, looking great! My new plants are starting much slower. Maybe next year they'll do better. So excited :) Clare - 25cm is about fully grown. My capsicum love the sun here in Brisbane. I have about 10 plants (2 planted last year, 8 sown early this spring) and so far about 10 fruit. I would see if you can gradually introduce your plants to more and more sun, or in a partial sun/shade spot to prevent wilting. Number one capsicum tip: Be patient and you will be pleasantly surprised :) I used seeds from a store-bought capsicum, but it was from a fruit/veg stand, not a supermarket... I made sure I took seed from an extra delicious, perfectly formed capsicum. I don't mess with checking my dirt's PH levels, but I have really great dirt, happy plants, and feed with liquid seaweed fertiliser 1-2/month just for fun. Good luck!

- Annalisa

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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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