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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15 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
the root system is 4-6-8
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18 Nov 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When planting the roots deep remember you have to be able to get water down that far when watering.
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28 Aug 19, Blake Stanvic (Australia - temperate climate)
What colour is my capsicum meant to be, it is pink. I don't know if thats normal.
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29 Aug 19, DLS (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi, what variety is it? Was there a picture on the seed or plant you bought?
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12 Jun 19, Corry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
new to vege growing. Have noted on several vege instructions "P" for sowing seed and "S" for plant undercover in seed trays. Could someone explain the difference to me please?
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13 Jun 19, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Some seeds, e.g. capsicum, need more warmth or protection to germinate, so we suggest that they are started in seed trays or pots in a sheltered spot i.e cool greenhouse, covered patio or similar. Once established the seedlings can be planted out. Other seeds like broad beans can be sown direct, in the place where they will grow.
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26 May 19, Bec (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, My capsicum plant did nothing over summer and early autumn. Now it is heading into winter it is covered with capsicum. How can I get the fruit to maturity? Thanks
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10 May 19, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Finally had to pull out faithful old capsicum plant, getting very ratty and covered in knots , but still producing small fruit.
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16 Jan 19, Shirley (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have two very healthy looking plants but they only have one large capsicum on each plant even though there were more flowers...should I have picked the fruit when small to encourage more to grow? They were planted in fresh tub mix.
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17 Jan 19, Mike Logan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Look up website biobees about pollination of capsicums. No don't pick fruit off.
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Showing 61 - 70 of 521 comments
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I germinated capsicum seed as I do tomato, (the old school way) I take them from the tomato or capsicum (I do not dry them out), I use a flat, round face cleanser cotton pad, place seeds on that in old plastic container with constant water no higher than the side of the wool pad as not to drown the seeds, place lid over top for a little air and place in the sun, I generally get all seed germination, then once they are approx. 3 to 5 cm or show at least 4 leaves, ( slowly pull seedling from pad as not to pull on the root that has threaded its way through the wool ) and transplant to seedling pots of wet seedling mix, I use a skewer to pierce hole in mix and place seedling root into the soil very gently and allow to grow until they are at a decent size to transplant into ground or pots....

- Donna

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