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 18°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 50 cm 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 Feb 22, Joan Markby (Australia - temperate climate)
Do green capsicums turn red.or are they different varieties
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25 Feb 22, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, your capsicums will change colour as they ripen. Varieties are red, yellow, orange when ripe.
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07 Nov 21, Pam (USA - Zone 10a climate)
My bell peppers are still producing from summer. Not nearly as much, but they are still holding their own. Based on the chart I should be planting undercover in seed trays. Should I have pulled out these bell pepper plants at the end of summer? Will they continue to produce until the frost hits them???? curious
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10 Nov 21, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I would keep them if they are still producing good crop.
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21 Aug 22, Sandra (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Peppers can live for a couple of years; if your plants are still alive through the winter, they should produce the next year. If it snows out, bring them in where it’s cozy as long as they live they will produce I think a maximum of four years depending on the health and care of the plant.
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19 Sep 21, Robin Mendelson (USA - Zone 11a climate)
What bulbs can I plant indoors in south Florida?
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22 Mar 21, Renee Gronow (Australia - temperate climate)
First time question, new to planting and growing home grown vegetables. But have noticed my capsicum plants have black spots
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30 Jan 21, Solomon Mareme Seepe (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Where should I get capsicum chemical in South Africa around Johannesburg?
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23 Jan 21, Vickie (Australia - temperate climate)
First time growing mini yellow capsicum. There are heaps on the Bush mainly green going to orange. When do I pick them
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25 Jan 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
You can pick, green, orange or wait until yellow.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 518 comments
See comments for all plants

indeed you can grow capsicum melb way diane im geelong way we have simalar weather i have had no trouble my friend ive had a plant last me 5 years every year more fruit green capsicum may have lived longer its life was cut short due to children breaking limbs.

- sean

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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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