Capsicums (aka peppers) and the closely related chillis are warm season crops and really need to be left to mid spring before planting in cooler climates. Although they are technically perennial plants (go dormant in winter and regrow the following season) they are generally less productive in successive years and are best replaced each season with fresh seedlings.
Small bushy plant about 40cm high The seeds are reluctant to start germinating if temperatures drop at night. These are best sown in small trays in a warm, sheltered place: a small greenhouse if possible. Then plant out when about 10 -12cm (4-5in) tall.
They are from the same family as chilli but are not hot and spicy. The seeds are bitter.
Capsicums are frost tender and need warmth to ripen the fruit to the brilliant reds and yellows of commercial ones. They can be used green but are not as sweet.
Capsicums vary in size and colour with taste varying in sweetness to a slight peppery taste.There are a number of colours available, chocolate, black, yellow, orange as well as red. They all start off green and change as they ripen.
Growing Information
Soil:
Capsicums and chilli peppers are hungry, gross feeders. They need a nutritious soil that has been well dug through with rich rotted compost. Soil should also drain freely and not hold onto surface moisture for more than about a day after hand watering or a dousing of rain.
Time : October to January
In warmer areas sow indoors or under cover in August and plant out mid to late October as long as it is warm.
In cooler spots sow indoors or under cover in August and September and plant out when all risk of frosts has passed.
Temprature
Capsicums and chilli peppers are intolerant of cold temperatures and cannot handle any frost at all so wait until all risk of frost in your area has passed – this normally means at least after Labour Day – before you plant your seedlings in the garden. In colder parts of the country you may find you have to wait until December or plant in a greenhouse.
Sunlight:
A site that gets plenty of sun and has shelter from strong winds (which can damage these slightly brittle plants) – perhaps a spot against a warm north-facing fence or wall that can reflect heat of the sun throughout the day. If you are planting in a container then this might give you the flexibility you need in choosing the best location. Plants grow to an average of about knee height.
Special Notes
Culinary uses
Peppers a packed full of vitamins A, C and K which support the immune system and cells. They are full of antioxidants too.
Chillies contain capsaicin which could reduce cholesterol and also help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
Can be sliced and seeded and used raw in salads. Will freeze successfully without blanching if seeded and sliced.
Or brush with olive oil, roast at a high temperature until the skin changes colour then put in a covered dish until cool and rub off the skin and remove seeds.

Capsicums (aka peppers) and the closely related chillis are warm season crops and really need to be left to mid spring before planting in cooler climates. Although they are technically perennial plants (go dormant in winter and regrow the following season) they are generally less productive in successive years and are best replaced each season with fresh seedlings.
Small bushy plant about 40cm high The seeds are reluctant to start germinating if temperatures drop at night. These are best sown in small trays in a warm, sheltered place: a small greenhouse if possible. Then plant out when about 10 -12cm (4-5in) tall.
They are from the same family as chilli but are not hot and spicy. The seeds are bitter.
Capsicums are frost tender and need warmth to ripen the fruit to the brilliant reds and yellows of commercial ones. They can be used green but are not as sweet.
Capsicums vary in size and colour with taste varying in sweetness to a slight peppery taste.There are a number of colours available, chocolate, black, yellow, orange as well as red. They all start off green and change as they ripen.
Growing Information
Soil:
Capsicums and chilli peppers are hungry, gross feeders. They need a nutritious soil that has been well dug through with rich rotted compost. Soil should also drain freely and not hold onto surface moisture for more than about a day after hand watering or a dousing of rain.
Time : October to January
In warmer areas sow indoors or under cover in August and plant out mid to late October as long as it is warm.
In cooler spots sow indoors or under cover in August and September and plant out when all risk of frosts has passed.
Temprature
Capsicums and chilli peppers are intolerant of cold temperatures and cannot handle any frost at all so wait until all risk of frost in your area has passed – this normally means at least after Labour Day – before you plant your seedlings in the garden. In colder parts of the country you may find you have to wait until December or plant in a greenhouse.
Sunlight:
A site that gets plenty of sun and has shelter from strong winds (which can damage these slightly brittle plants) – perhaps a spot against a warm north-facing fence or wall that can reflect heat of the sun throughout the day. If you are planting in a container then this might give you the flexibility you need in choosing the best location. Plants grow to an average of about knee height.
Special Notes
Culinary uses
Peppers a packed full of vitamins A, C and K which support the immune system and cells. They are full of antioxidants too.
Chillies contain capsaicin which could reduce cholesterol and also help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
Can be sliced and seeded and used raw in salads. Will freeze successfully without blanching if seeded and sliced.
Or brush with olive oil, roast at a high temperature until the skin changes colour then put in a covered dish until cool and rub off the skin and remove seeds.