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

07 Dec 07, Sally (Unknown climate)
do you know why my leaves are turning black and falling off my capsicum plant
Showing 521 - 521 of 521 comments

Hello Di, Like chillies, if you cut it back gently it will refruit if you are in a frost free area, But you are far better to plant new seedlings every year in spring. I am still picking lots of capsicums from bushes planted last October but they are now much smaller and take a long time to turn red. I should have pruned the flowers from January on wards . I will pick all the remaining green fruit and pickle them. They grow very easily from seed treat just like you would tomatoes. Happy vegy gardening.

- Kevin OBryan

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