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

07 Oct 11, kelvan (Australia - temperate climate)
I really dont have a lot of produce from capsicums. Is Margaret River region W.A realy classed as temperate or cool mountain?
11 Sep 11, Catherine (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I use the seeds from the capsicans that I have purchased from the super market?
23 Oct 11, aif (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes u can, just dry the seeds first.
01 Oct 11, Roberta (Australia - temperate climate)
You can, however if the variety is a hybrid, as most varieties grown for supermarkets are, it won't come true to type. This is OK for your own use but not if you are aiming to save seed of named varieties that you intend to donate, say, to a seed bank. If the variety was an open pollinated one then it should come out the same unless you have other varieties flowering nearby that will cross, even chillies!
11 Sep 11, (Australia - arid climate)
I think you can. we have planted seeds from the ones we buy at the markets and they grow well.
06 Sep 11, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
I tried growing bell pepper capsicum from seeds, they were about 10cm big with about 2-3 sets of leaves and i tried to move them to a bigger container. i lost 3 out of 4 as they seem to wilt as soon as i moved them. i fertilised them and watered them in but what could i have done wrong, have i damaged the roots?
09 Oct 11, Farm R Tim (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Capsicums do have very large sensitive root systems, it is best to do the final transplant as soon as possible. (:
09 Sep 11, Roberta (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Sarah Your timing seems OK, size wise and leaves etc. It’s hard to know what you did without being there, but here's a few transplanting tips to help you figure it out: - a week before you transplant, harden them off a bit by moving them out, especially if you've been raising the seedlings in a protected place i.e. shade house. Maybe also boost them with a light liquid feed first, not too much nitrogen - water them first so the soil or potting mix is moist, otherwise all the soil will just fall way, exposing and disturbing the roots - wait for the soil to be moist, not too wet, when you take them out, and tease the roots out gently, disturbing them as little as possible. It’s the fine root hairs at the ends of the roots that take up water so if they break off they can’t take up water - the hole you plant them in should be big enough to accommodate the roots without scrunching them in - after planting, don't fertilise until they've settled in, say a week or so. You can water them in with seaweed solution as this helps them settle. Protect them from wind and direct sun for a few days until they adjust - basically it's all about reducing transplant shock as much as possible Roberta
01 Sep 11, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
I am also south of Adelaide and would like to know where to buy seeds for Bell Peppers.
12 Oct 11, Tony (Australia - temperate climate)
From what I understand Bell Pepper is the American term for Capsicum, so basically anywhere!!
Showing 371 - 380 of 517 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Capsicum

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.