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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
21 Sep 08, Lucy Dobinson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
do capsicum plants grow well in big pots? Because I have just planted some seedlings in a big pot, and I am wondering if they will still produce fruit.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Feb 13, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can grow Capsicum in pots quite successfully, keep the soil moist not too wet and feed with nitrogenous fertilizer when fruit are starting to set Tom in Hawkes Bay
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Diane, you will be able grow capsicums if you start them early under cover so that they have a long growing time.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Aug 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Rebecca, in a temperate zone you can only expect capsicums to be annuals. Remove the plants as they die down and grow new ones for next summer.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 34 of 34 comments
See comments for all plants

Tamara: Thanks! Perennial, yay! I DID keep those plants from last year in the ground, and they have 2 fruit each, looking great! My new plants are starting much slower. Maybe next year they'll do better. So excited :) Clare - 25cm is about fully grown. My capsicum love the sun here in Brisbane. I have about 10 plants (2 planted last year, 8 sown early this spring) and so far about 10 fruit. I would see if you can gradually introduce your plants to more and more sun, or in a partial sun/shade spot to prevent wilting. Number one capsicum tip: Be patient and you will be pleasantly surprised :) I used seeds from a store-bought capsicum, but it was from a fruit/veg stand, not a supermarket... I made sure I took seed from an extra delicious, perfectly formed capsicum. I don't mess with checking my dirt's PH levels, but I have really great dirt, happy plants, and feed with liquid seaweed fertiliser 1-2/month just for fun. Good luck!

- Annalisa

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.