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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23 Mar 14, Rod (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
G,day Robin i have found if i plant my capsicum and chile plants in pots around 20cm for one plant a larger pot will take two,mix a good fertilizer in for starters and a drink of liquid fertilizer weekly keep them moist i dont put a tray underneath just sit them on the dirt the bonus being you get the garden worms in your pots hope it works for you.
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14 Feb 14, colin gardner (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the life span of a capsican plant? if it is more than one season what would i have to do to get it ready for the next season
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08 Feb 14, Bronwyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible for green capsicums to ripen off the plant?
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26 Jan 14, Reg Wade (Australia - temperate climate)
l live in WAHGUNYAH (NEAR COROWA) and l would like to know is it to late to plant capsicum?
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26 Jan 14, Esmeralda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
in ACT - should I rip up my capsicums or will they survive the winter?
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19 Jan 14, Marc Bouw (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted my capsicum a few weeks ago, they are doing well. Should I nip of the new flower buds to let them establish, if so, how long should I wait before I let produce? Thanks
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23 Mar 14, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
G,day Marc once the plants have flowers on them i normally trim the bottom ones of to give the middle and top flowers a go seems to work for me.
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14 Jan 14, Frank (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicum plants are about 20 cm high my problem is The flower formation happens but the bud drops off before The fruit develops can anyone help
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07 Feb 14, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes having the same problem, Does anyone have any answers on this one
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19 Feb 14, julian (Australia - temperate climate)
Very hot weather can shock the plant and cause the flowers to drop. It could also be magnesium or calcium deficiency. Try a couple of table spoons of epsom salts (for magnesium) around the base and some blood & bone (for calcium). Calcium will take a long time to uptake so be patient. good luck
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Showing 271 - 280 of 518 comments
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I had the same thing last year (on the coast south of Sydney), particularly getting burned on the west-facing side, from the hot afternoon sun. The UV seemed to be particularly strong last summer. My cucumber vines all got fried before producing any fruit, unlike the year before which had a good crop. Shade cloth might be the way to go

- Jason

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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. GardenGrow 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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