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

19 Sep 21, Robin Mendelson (USA - Zone 11a climate)
What bulbs can I plant indoors in south Florida?
31 Jan 16, Robert Cragun (USA - Zone 6a climate)
We live in central utah and have always had trouble getting bell peppers to grow to matuity..what are some good ways to get these finicky guys to mature?
07 Jan 22, Sarah (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I've had better luck growing them against the southern side of the house. That way the heat from the sun is bouncing back off the building onto the plants. You can also make a little wall around them to help heat them.
Showing 11 - 13 of 13 comments

a friend who runs a garden shop told me that that it was a disease that her caps had got a few years ago as some of the leaves have turned golden and dry in some patches i think this may be the cause I am watching them carefully although perhaps having come to that conclusion i should pull them out. I planted some more of the same seeds in nutritious soil rather than seed mix (still in trays) and perhaps because of this or the warmer weather they are going relay well with thicker stems and wider greener leaves and the appearance of second leaves in week two (this is just healthy garden soil). hope fully these stronger pants will with stand disease. i am not afraid of frost where i am but will plant these new ones in a different patch of soil. thank you for your quick response.

- Ferran

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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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