Capsicum annuum

How to Grow Capsicum

Capsicums, also known as bell peppers, are the sweet cousins of Chillies, so if you can't handle the heat, grow capsicums instead! They're a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C, so they're great for your health and look great in the garden, too. Also, did you know the only difference between green and red Capsicum fruit is the maturity? Red is more mature and sweeter - all the more reason to leave them on the plant until ripe for picking!

Climate Zone, When and Where to Grow

Climate zone: Capsicums can be grown in all areas around Australia.

When to grow: In cool, temperate and subtropical climates, sow Capsicum in early spring, once the danger of frost has passed. You can continue to sow seeds throughout spring and summer. In tropical zones, they can be sown at any time of the year, although they are best during the dry season as they are prone to fungal problems during the wet period. In arid climates, Capsicum can be planted from spring through to autumn.

Where to grow: Grow Capsicums in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sunshine a day, in a well-drained garden bed or pot.

Harvesting

Growing time: Capsicums are will ready to harvest anywhere from 10-12 weeks from planting.

When to harvest: When the fruit is large and fully formed. They can be harvested at any stage, but red, orange or yellow is when they're at the most ripe and sweetest.

How to harvest : Cut the stalk using secateurs or a knife.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained/sandy soil

Suitable for all climatic zones.

Harvest when fruit is green, but it's best to wait until the fruit walls are firm and strong - this can take up to 10-12 weeks

All year round depending on variety and your location (check the label)

How to Grow Capsicum in a Garden

Step 1 - Choose a Location

Choose a spot that receives plenty of sun (at least six hours of sunlight) with well drained soil and protection from strong winds.

Step 2 - Improve the Soil

Prior to planting, use a fork to break up the soil and enrich with plenty of compost and organic matter, like Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Add Yates Lime & Dolomite Soil Improver Granules to help sweeten the soil and help prevent Blossom End Rot.

Step 3 - Sowing Seeds or Planting Seedlings

Sow seeds direct or start them in pots or trays filled with Yates Seed Raising Mix, allowing adequate space between plants if sowing direct. Firm down and keep moist. Transplant Capsicum seedlings when 5-7cm high, and water in well with a diluted seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock.

Step 4 - Early Capsicum Care

Keep the soil moist as the plants establish. Mulch around the base of plants with an organic mulch, like Yates Dynamic Lifter 4-in-1 Mulch to maintain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Step 5 - Watering & Feeding

As seedlings emerge and grow, feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser, such as Yates Thrive Tomato Liquid Plant Food, and water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.

As larger-fruiting Capsicums grow, gently tie the main stems to a stake with a plant tie or old piece of hosiery; this will help support branches when they are heavy or laden with fruit.

Step 6 - Harvesting Capsicums

Harvest Capsicums when the fruit is fully formed. While they can be harvested and eaten green, the fruit is sweeter when left to ripen and change colour.

How to Grow Capsicum in Pots

Step 1 - Choose a pot & Location

Choose a good sized pot, at least 40 cm wide and position in a sunny spot (receives at least six hours of sunlight) that's well protected from strong winds.

Step 2 - Sow Seeds and Planting

Fill seed raising trays with Yates Seed Mixing Mix, sow seeds, firm down and keep moist. Once seedlings are 5-7 cm tall, fill a pot with Yates Premium Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter and transplant one plant per pot as it will need room to grow.

Step 3 - Early Capsicum Care

Keep the soil moist as the plants establish. Mulch around the base of plants with an organic mulch, like Yates Dynamic Lifter 4-in-1 Mulch to maintain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Step 4 - Watering & Feeding

As seedlings emerge and grow, feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser, such as Yates Thrive Tomato Liquid Plant Food, and water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.

As larger-fruiting Capsicums grow, hammer in a stake, keeping them outside the root zone and gently tie the main stem to the with a plant tie or old piece of hosiery; this will help support branches when they are heavy or laden with fruit.

Step 6 - Harvesting Capsicums

Harvest Capsicums when the fruit has fully formed. While they can be harvested and eaten green, the fruit is sweeter when left to ripen and change colour.

Capsicum Growing Tips

How Much Water do Capsicums Need?

Water regularly throughout the growing season. Ideally water early in the morning, and only water when the soil starts to dry out slightly. Add a layer of organic mulch, Yates Dynamic Lifter 4-in-1 Mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds too.

How do I Prevent my Capsicums From Burning in Summer?

In areas with hot summers, it's a good idea to erect a 30-50 percent shade cloth to help prevent sun scald (sun burn).

What is the Best Type of Soil for Capsicums?

Capsicums grow best in rich, well-drained soil. Improve the soil with plenty of organic matter, like Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Can I sow Capsicum Seeds in Late Winter?

In temperate climates, you can get a head start on the growing season by sowing Capsicum seeds indoors. Fill a punnet or tray filled with Yates Seed Raising Mix, sow seeds and lightly cover. Position the punnet or tray in a warm, brightly lit spot and water regularly to keep the mix moist. Once the season starts to warm up, you can transplant seedlings outdoors (typically when plants are 5-7 cm tall).

When is Capsicum Season?

Capsicum plants are warm-season fruiting vegetables, so for most climates, they are sown or planted throughout spring and summer. In tropical zones, they can be planted all year round, but are typically planted in mid-autumn through to mid-spring, during the dry season, to avoid issues with fungal diseases, like Powdery Mildew.

Common Problems of Capsicums

Why is the end of my Capsicum Going Black?

This problem is known as Blossom End Rot and can be tackled by making sure your plants get a consistent amount of moisture and soil additives that are high in calcium. Try using Yates Lime & Dolomite Soil Improver Granules; they’re great for adding calcium while also sweetening up the soil!

Why are my Capsicums Prematurely Falling & Full of Maggots/Grubs?

Ripening Capsicum fruits that fall off the vine prematurely, with pin-prick sized holes in the fruit, and are full of maggots/grubs have been attacked by Fruit Fly.

To protect your plants from Fruit Fly, start using Yates Nature's Way Fruit Fly Control while the fruit is still small. Do not apply the product to the fruit. Instead, apply it to the lower stems and foliage, or paint it into a small piece of wood and hang it nearby.

How to control Powdery Mildew on Capsicum Plants?

Powdery Mildew is a common fungal disease that attacks Capsicum plants. If left untreated, it can stunt growth and affect fruit development. Powdery Mildew is prevalent in moist, humid conditions and poor air flow. Ensure there is adequate spacing between plants and try to water the soil, rather than the leaves, to reduce the likelihood of fungal problems.

Powdery Mildew can be treated with Yates Tomato & Vegetable Dust. It's best applied as preventative treatment. Dust seedlings approximately 7 days after transplanting and repeat at 7-10-day intervals. Apply uniformly, ensuring that the upper leaf surfaces of foliage are covered.