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 S  
                  T T  

(Best months for growing Capsicum in Australia - temperate regions)

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

August: Sow in pots

  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
02 Dec 12, sean (Australia - tropical climate)
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.
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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?
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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.
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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).
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21 Oct 08, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
What is best to spray my capsicum with. There is something attacking the leaves?
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25 Oct 08, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
where do i buy crocodile manure
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09 Nov 08, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long does it usually take for the seeds to sprout?
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05 Dec 08, robyn (Australia - tropical climate)
Our capsicum plants grow lush and fast. The fruit gets to be about half size, then gets a sudden large soft spot which rots. They are in raised beds with well composted, mushroom compost, soil.
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28 Dec 08, Rob (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My capsicum plants are growing really well, but as soon as the flower has fininshed a black area appears on the stem above and below where the flower joins the plant and it falls off. What could be wrong and how can I stop it please?
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05 Jan 09, Diane (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same problem as Robyn - large soft spot rotting on capsicums - any clues?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 428 comments
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Hi Doug and you will find it is usually high temperatures that cause it and they simply fall off, don't worry you will get more on the plant. We plant ours in an area that are protected from the midday sun to stop the vegetable drop and have found that helps. We fertilise with Seasol once a fortnight and give them a side dressing of AG lime. Capsicums love calcium and this makes the walls of the vegetables thick and healthy. Alternatively you can crush up washed and dried egg shells and place them around the base of the plant & dig in. Happy gardening

- Lorna

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