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 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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08 Dec 14, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Do mini capsicums need to be staked? I bought some Bello Rosso seeds & have planted tonight.
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04 Oct 14, helen creeley (Australia - temperate climate)
Why is my capsicum plant getting yellow tips on the leaves and what remedy do you recommend
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15 Aug 14, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Live in Melbourne and have dried out some seeds of a supermarket capsicum. Should I plant the seeds now or wait a little while longer??
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29 Aug 14, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Sow them now inside in trays, plant them out in 4-6 weeks time.
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20 Jul 14, peter (Australia - temperate climate)
deterrent from wasps laying there eggs in them,i have to pick them early due to the wasps destroying them.
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10 May 14, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
Your capsicum and chilli plants of all varieties will sit dormant like a dead stick for the winter months. Prune as you would a Hibiscus or rose and keep up the fortnightly seaweed/liquid fertilizer as the roots are still strong. Each year the yield will be larger and more prolific. My second year banana capsicum tree which is 2 metres tall produced 3 times from October till march. Stay loyal!
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25 Oct 14, trish.j (Australia - temperate climate)
great tip Craig - thank you. I'll try leaving next year instead of pulling up. Though they do look terrible in the slightly cooler, but north facing Dandenong Ranges over Winter.
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11 May 14, Rae (Australia - temperate climate)
Is this why when i planted a seedling it had tiny little capsicums on it?
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28 Apr 14, Di (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am wanting to grow capsicum from seeds from a shop bought capsicum. Am I using the right type of seed or should I purchase seeds from commercial seed packets? What is the best time to plant and what type of soil should I use in pots?
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10 May 15, Gloria (Australia - temperate climate)
I germinated capsicum seeds from supermarket , I dried them throughly then put them in water until they sprouted,then, put them in a pot of normal soil ( not sand) then I planted them out in March ( Perth W A ) in good composted soil , adding liquid fertilizer,then as they grew, blood and bone.It is now May and they are almost ready to harvest.A very healthy crop.Now I'm wondering if I can plant more this month as this area gets little frost mostly likely in September?
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