Capsicum annuum
HEIGHT X WIDTH: 70cm x 50cm.
DISTANCE APART: 50cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Capsicums can be harvested when they are still green or if you prefer they can be left on the bush to fully ripen to red which is when they are at their most sweet.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes. Choose a large pot that is at least 40 to 50cm deep. Fill it with premium potting mix. Plant the seedlings and then water. These capsicum may need to be staked so their stem doesn’t break in the wind.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes. The garden bed must get at least 6 hours of sun every day. Mix some compost or animal manure into the soil, plant the seedlings and water lightly. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil and water the area well. Make sure they are staked once they grow a little larger.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Capsicums have lots of best buddies! They grow really well with basil, tomatoes, lettuce, parsley, rainbow chard, silverbeet and spinach. Marigolds should also be included as these keep away nematodes in the soil.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Feed capsicum with a fertiliser designed for tomatoes as they both have the same needs and this will help keep their stems strong.
- Capsicum plants can get quite tall and benefit from being tied to a stake with an old stocking.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.