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
  S S                  
      T T              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Capsicum in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

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.
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.
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
11 Oct 08, Jack Zheng (Australia - temperate climate)
Mary Ann, can you please tell me the special soil mix and where can I buy crocodile manure?
13 Oct 08, Terry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I use the seeds out of commercially grown capsicums to start with? If so, how do I start? do I have to dry them first. Terry.
15 Oct 08, lucy Dobinson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
can you grow capsicums with courgette?
17 Oct 08, Barbara in Lane Cove (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Lucy, If you are growing capsicum in pots then probably not enough room for courgettes as well. I put courgette in its own big pot - courgette likes air circulating around it to keep down the powdery mildew (a big problem here in our wet summer).
19 Oct 08, lucy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
thanks, i will plant the courgettes in my vege garden.
21 Oct 08, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
What is best to spray my capsicum with. There is something attacking the leaves?
25 Oct 08, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
where do i buy crocodile manure
Showing 21 - 30 of 516 comments

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