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 S    
                T T T  
              P   P    

(Best months for growing Capsicum in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
09 Feb 17, Tony Mnisi (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I'm based in Pretoria. I want to know as to where can I buy bell peppers in my area?
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09 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Capsicum or Bell Pepper seed should be easy to get at Nurseries and Garden Centres in Pretoria. If not there are 2 or 3 Online (Internet) Seed Companies in South Africa. Trust this helps.
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17 Jan 16, Hazel (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
My green peppers takes long to produce fruit and the leaves looks wilted all the time .
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
The soil may be nitrogen rich and lack phosphorus. Add aged compost to the planting bed. Alternatively, add some blood or bone meal.
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14 Jan 16, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
My green peppers take so long to produce veg . The leaves stays wilted . I water them and ferterlizers them on time .
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07 Feb 15, wale (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Can I plant red bell pepper seeds directly into the ground without transplantation from the beginning In Nigeria, West Africa and how long can a red pepper plant produce continuously?
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30 Oct 14, Floyd (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have plant the green pepper in limpopo(Phalaborwa), My question its okay have a green house to protect the pepper because its hot in Phalaborwa. What must I do to maintain them so long
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04 Apr 14, Theresa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My bell peppers battled to maintain good leaf development and would look like they are wilting. The fruit was small and eventually also wilted. What was the issue. My garden gets irrigated every 2nd day and the soil is well composted. Would you know what the problem was?
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04 Nov 13, Dennis (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I am interested in Capsicum farming in Congo Brazzaville Which specie of capsicum will favorably grow here?
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30 Aug 13, humble (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
could you advice me how to prepare best soil for growing bigger capsicum fruit.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 22 comments
See comments for all plants

try buying seedlings as it is easier from there. with bugs just get a thin light mesh to cover your plant but don't do it on smaller plants as it can harm them, but you could post stick in the ground and make a roof kind of area.

- jack

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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. Gardenate 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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