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

12 May 20, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
the top of the page tells you.
28 Apr 20, Egmo (Australia - temperate climate)
Why do the young fruit fall off the capsicum bush ?
26 Apr 20, Kath (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a green and yellow bell pepper plant that are still producing, although the yellow ones are black and I’m not sure if they will turn yellow. Shouldn’t they have finished producing by now? We are still getting some sunny days but the days are shorter and cooler, I’m just wondering if these peppers will reach maturity now we are in Autumn?
28 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you have had a good/great crop I would be happy with that. They may produce but what is the quality like?
31 Mar 20, David harris (Australia - temperate climate)
My capsicums have just been harvested, should I prune them back (can I prune them) and hope for another crop next season or pull them out and wait to plant seedlings next season.
05 Apr 20, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive had the same plants in for 3 years and they reproduce every year. This is the best year yet.
01 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Capsicums will produce over several weeks months. Generally you pull them out when finished.
29 Jan 20, Fran Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Our capsicum plants are loaded with fruit and are flowering profusely. To increase the size of the fruit do we thin the fruit or just let them keep growing. Thank you any advice will be appreciated.
30 Jan 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would suggest you stake and support the plants. You probably could do both, leave all flowers on some and trim others. Good watering and fertilising will produce good size fruit.
27 Jan 20, Mark Andersen (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
I live in Calgary, AB and was wondering when I should start my hot pepper plants indoors ... Thanks.
Showing 31 - 40 of 518 comments

Just bought an orange lunchbox capsicum. Should I pinch out the top leaves to promote a more bushy plant?

- Helen

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