If you enjoy the flavor of Capsicum in your meals, nothing beats the taste of an organically grown, freshly harvested Capsicum to elevate your dish. Capsicums and chilies are close relatives of tomatoes, and while they share similar growing needs, Capsicum is sturdier and easier to cultivate at home. Even better, capsicums come in vibrant colors like green, red, yellow, and purple, adding visual and flavorful appeal to eggs, pizzas, salads, and more.
Capsicums are packed with A, C, and E, which doesnt not only enhance meals but also offer healthy benefits.
Imagine the joy of growing them at your home by yourself; well, it’s entirely possible! This article guides you step-by-step through how to grow Capsicum effortlessly. Let’s get started!
Top 5 tips on how to Grow Capsicum
Here are some bonus tips you should know before growing capsicums:
- Plant capsicums during the warmest months, as they are frost-sensitive.
- Use seeds or seedlings to grow your capsicums.
- Choose a spot with full sun to ensure healthy growth.
- Protect capsicums from sunburn on days over 38°C using a shade cloth.
- Explore heirloom varieties to enjoy capsicums in unique colors, shapes, and sizes beyond the typical red, green, and yellow.
How long does Capsicum take to grow?
You will need to be patient while growing capsicums as it takes up to three months to mature, but the results are worth the wait. While you can’t drastically speed up its natural growth cycle, you can ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest by providing optimal care and ideal conditions.
How To Plant Capsicum
Planting Capsicum is simple and rewarding. Follow these three easy steps to get started and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own vibrant and flavorful capsicums.
Pick
Choose a location with direct sunlight but protection from winds that can damage stems. Capsicums thrive in well-drained soil and require regular watering throughout the growing season.
Prepare
Prepare the soil by enriching it with aged manure, compost, or a good organic fertilizer. Boost calcium levels to prevent blossom end rot later in the season. Add dolomite or lime to increase calcium, but monitor the soil pH to ensure it stays acidic, as dolomite and lime can raise pH levels. If the pH is already suitable, use gypsum instead to add calcium without affecting the pH.
Plant
Sow capsicum seeds during late winter, spring, or summer. Use a heat mat or place the seeds on a warm windowsill indoors to encourage germination in cooler climates. Seeds can be sown directly into garden beds or pots in tropical or subtropical regions.
Plant the seeds 5mm deep in punnets filled with an organic-based potting mix. Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings reach a height of 5–7cm, transplant them into larger pots or your garden for optimal growth.
How to Grow Capsicum from Seeds
Growing Capsicum from seeds is simple and rewarding, but it will need a little patience. Follow these steps to cultivate healthy plants:
Water
During the first month after planting, water your capsicum plants a few times a week to help them establish. Once they settle, switch to deep watering about once a week. It will encourage strong, healthy root development for thriving plants.
Fertilizer
Boost your Capsicum’s growth and natural resistance to pests and diseases by applying a blend of eco-seaweed and eco-aminogro every two weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
Midway through the growing season, replenish calcium levels by reapplying dolomite, lime, or gypsum. Capsicums love calcium, and they grow strong and produce abundant fruit.
Harvest
Capsicums take time to develop fruit, usually up to three months, depending on the variety and climate. They start green and gradually ripen into vibrant red, yellow, orange, or purple shades. While you can harvest them green, waiting allows them to sweeten and reach their full flavor.
Handle your plants carefully during harvest, as their branches are delicate and can break easily. Use a knife or secateurs to cut the stem. Make sure to leave a small stalk on the fruit. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more fruit and ensure a bountiful harvest!
Pests & Diseases
While learning how to grow Capsicum, managing pests and diseases is equally important. Various pests can affect Capsicum, including slugs, snails, aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars, and Fruit Fly. Here’s how to keep these threats at bay:
Slugs and snails can damage young capsicum seedlings. Safeguard your plants by placing beer traps (saucers filled with beer) nearby or using Snail & Slug Pellets.
Treat the plants with a good Insect Spray for aphids, whiteflies, or caterpillars, following the instructions for effective control.
Fruit Fly is a significant threat, laying eggs inside the capsicum fruit. The maggots that hatch can ruin the fruit, causing it to drop prematurely or become inedible. Shield your crop with Fruit Fly lures, baits, and wildlife-safe insect-proof netting. Cover the plants securely once you see fruit beginning to form for maximum protection.
