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

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03 Dec 19, Jason (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had the same thing last year (on the coast south of Sydney), particularly getting burned on the west-facing side, from the hot afternoon sun. The UV seemed to be particularly strong last summer. My cucumber vines all got fried before producing any fruit, unlike the year before which had a good crop. Shade cloth might be the way to go
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19 Dec 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can buy 30% shade cloth.
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10 Nov 19, Beth (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought some tall leggy capsicum seedlings. Can I plant the deep into the soil like tomatoes or should the soil be at the same level?
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11 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You probably could. Don't buy leggy seedlings.
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14 Nov 19, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Tomatoes planted deep produce more roots up the stem that is in the soil. Caps probably don't meaning the root system is 4-6-8
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15 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
the root system is 4-6-8
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18 Nov 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When planting the roots deep remember you have to be able to get water down that far when watering.
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28 Aug 19, Blake Stanvic (Australia - temperate climate)
What colour is my capsicum meant to be, it is pink. I don't know if thats normal.
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29 Aug 19, DLS (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi, what variety is it? Was there a picture on the seed or plant you bought?
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12 Jun 19, Corry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
new to vege growing. Have noted on several vege instructions "P" for sowing seed and "S" for plant undercover in seed trays. Could someone explain the difference to me please?
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Anything from the allium family, onions, garlic, leeks, chives, or beans (legume family) is recommended to follow fruiting crops.

- Darren

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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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