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

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.
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.
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).
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
09 Nov 08, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long does it usually take for the seeds to sprout?
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.
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?
05 Jan 09, Diane (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same problem as Robyn - large soft spot rotting on capsicums - any clues?
Showing 11 - 20 of 428 comments

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