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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22 Nov 13, DrGreenThumb (Australia - tropical climate)
I haven't tried but wouldn't think so. Simply because a cutting would have to come from a shoot. Capsicum don't produce shoots until they are preparing to fruit. I think you will hinder your total yield. Keep us posted if you try.
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30 Oct 13, Pat Davis (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a tomatoe planted on a plot above & a capsicum planted in a lower plot, does this mean that I have to dig out the capsicum, put it in a pot & shift it to another part of the garden?? Please advise. Many thanks.
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22 Nov 13, DrGreenThumb (Australia - temperate climate)
No. They are actually closely related. Transplanting can stunt growth or shock a plant. Consider this (and all) forums "just advice" Lettuce know how you go.
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30 Oct 13, Tom (Australia - temperate climate)
Are there any native varieties?
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28 Oct 13, shannon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I know it's probably just common sense but can you just use the seeds from a store bought capsicum and if so do you need to do anything before planting iedry them out? Tia
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22 Nov 13, DrGreenThumb (Australia - temperate climate)
Personally I leave them on a windowsill for 3 days to dry, then refrigerate them for 4 weeks. I have a very high success rate with this method so I skip seed raising and plant the seeds out 20cm apart expecting 100% germination. Good luck
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22 Oct 13, Jessica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do i tell the difference if its going to be a red, yellow or green plant?
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11 Nov 13, Elsie (Australia - temperate climate)
They all start off green, and change colour as they ripen. They're edible when they're green, but you might prefer the taste once they ripen up. I don't know if there are any differences in the plant itself that tell you which variety (yellow, red, brown) it will be though sorry.
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16 Oct 13, Tina Lockyer (Australia - temperate climate)
should capsicum and chilli plants be cut back in the winter?
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15 Sep 13, Martha (Australia - temperate climate)
Yep, you are so right, my veggie garden is only 100cm!! so i only have one capsicum but yeah, that must have been a mistake...
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Showing 231 - 240 of 430 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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