Growing Capsicums & Chillies

Plant Height

Up to 60cm/ 2ft 

Time between sowing and harvesting

About 18 weeks (Capsicums)

About 24 weeks (Chillies)

Sowing time

March - April - temperature   16-21C/60-70F

Where to Sow

Indoors in small pots 7.5cm/3" diameter filled with compost. 

How to Sow

2 seeds per pot - 6mm/1/4-inch deep. Germination takes up to 21 days

After Germination

Remove the weakest seedling

Growing on - 

in Pots

Harden off plants which have been raised indoors and finally move outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. As the plants get bigger, pot up into larger pots in stages ending with one plant per 20cm/8" container or 3 per growbag. Place in a hot sheltered sunny position. 

Growing on -

in open ground

As above but plant  in beds or borders 45cm/ 18" apart. 

Aftercare

Water regularly, but do not keep the compost very wet.  Limit to 6-10 fruits per plant. Feed with tomato food once the fruit start to swell each time you water. 

Harvesting

Capsicums - Start picking fruit when they are green once they have reached the size of a tennis ball and the skin is smooth and glossy (probably at the beginning of August). This will ensure continuing new fruit production.  Capsicums will turn red (or whatever colour) at the end of the season but remember leaving peppers to fully ripen will halt new fruit production. Crops over about 8 weeks.

Chillies - Pick when the desired size has been reached. Mature Chillies will turn red (or whatever colour) towards the end of the season. Crops over about 8 weeks.