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

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • 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 Oct 15, Annie (Australia - temperate climate)
just starting out with my veggie garden ....I bought some Capsicum plants from the nursery they are about 5 or 6cm in height they have been in the ground for 3 or 4 weeks but are not growing at all now 2 out of the 6 look like they are starting to die what am I doing wrong ? I have put worm wee ( diluted) on them once a fortnight is this ok ?
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06 Nov 15, Sandra (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Annie About half of my capsicum plants don't thrive, putting out tiny fruit. I don't know why either. If you don't get a reply here try Australian Gardening Group on Facebook, they're fabulous.
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13 Sep 15, robert (Australia - temperate climate)
DO CAPSICUM NEED A LOT OF WATER AND DO THEY NEED A LOT OF FERTILZER
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15 Sep 15, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They need much the same as tomatoes. Regular watering so they don't wilt and grow in a well-fertilized bed. I top mine up with very dilute seaweed fertilizer in the watering as they grow.
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02 Sep 15, Sarah (Australia - arid climate)
My lovely big bushy plant that gave me spectacular fruit last year has leaves that are all curled up and kind of disease looking. I was hoping for another season out of it, any tips?
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22 Aug 15, Beryl (Australia - temperate climate)
Do capsicum plants last only for one season or can they be kept for a number of years?
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25 Aug 15, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes they can last over winter if you look after them. Google "over wintering "...
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15 Feb 15, Bob (Australia - temperate climate)
The long yellow peppers are banana peppers. They can be sweet or hot, most likely sweet. They are great pickled on sandwiches and or used in stir fries. Do a quick search for banana peppers and you should find all the information you need.
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11 Feb 15, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have been growing Californian Capsicums in pots, the fruit on the plant are the size of a golf ball and have been this size for about 6 weeks but seem not to be getting any bigger. Any thoughts
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11 Feb 15, Philip Lumley (Australia - temperate climate)
Do capsicum plants need to be staked for support when growing
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