Family: Solanaceae
Binomial name: Capsicum spp.
Life Cycle: Perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Capsicum is a warm season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow capsicum seeds in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Capsicum plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Capsicum plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Capsicum plants can be grown in containers. If possible choose a variety that’s recommended for container growing. Use a good quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of 40 litres is recommended for capsicum. During the growing season, keep in mind that container grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.
Capsicum seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Capsicum seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
Capsicum is a tender crop that’s sensitive to frost. Do not transplant seedlings or sow seeds outside until all danger of frost has passed.
Optional: In cool climates capsicum seeds can be sown indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Grow them in a warm position with plenty of natural light.
Capsicum plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables can be beneficial:
Capsicum plants need to be staked for support. Use a sturdy stake or grow plants alongside a trellis or tripod. As plants grow, tie stems gently to the support using twine or plant ties. Make sure you have the support in place when you sow seed or transplant seedlings to avoid disturbing the plant’s roots later.
Tip - Capsicum plants can be grown as annuals or short-lived perennials. In tropical and subtropical climates plants will grow and fruit year-round. In temperate and cool climates plants are usually grown as warm-season annuals. To grow plants as perennials in cool climates, grow them in a sheltered position and protect them from frost OR overwinter plants by potting them up and placing them in a sheltered position, pruning plants hard in early winter and removing any damaged foliage in spring.
Capsicum should be ready to harvest in approximately 60 to 100 days.
Fruit is ready when it is firm and the skin is glossy; fruit can be harvested before or after it begins to change colour. Harvest fruit by cutting with snips/secateurs, leaving about 3cm of stem on the fruit. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit. For short term storage, harvested fruit can be kept at room temperature. To extend the storage life, fruit can be kept in the fridge. For long term storage fruit can be baked and frozen or preserved in oil.
Like all plants, capsicum is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing capsicum plants: