How to Grow Capsicum in Australia

Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) is a warm-season crop loved for its colourful fruits. In Australia, it grows best in sunny, frost-free conditions with consistent feeding.

Ideal planting time: Spring and early summer. In tropical regions, capsicum can grow year-round.
Sunlight: Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with neutral pH. In pots, use a premium mix with good drainage.
Spacing: 40–50 cm apart in garden beds for airflow.
Growth cycle: From seed to harvest takes 14–20 weeks depending on variety and climate.

Capsicum can be grown from seeds or seedlings. Germination works best at 20–28°C. Early harvesting encourages more fruit production throughout the season.

469220851_18304639531205073_951323875471997910_n (1) (1)

477564855_18120006838426188_53393461443924008_n

Best Growing Conditions

Temperature: Daytime 20–30°C. Sensitive to frost and extreme cold.
Watering: Keep soil moist but never waterlogged. Mulch helps regulate moisture.
Containers: Use pots at least 30 cm wide and deep for strong root growth.

Feeding Schedule

Seedling stage (0–4 weeks): Light all-purpose feeding to encourage roots.
Vegetative stage (4–8 weeks): Balanced feeding with some nitrogen for leaf growth.
Flowering stage: Increase phosphorus and potassium for flowers and fruit set.
Fruiting stage: Maintain potassium and calcium for firm, full-sized capsicums.

Tip: Too much nitrogen causes leafy growth but delays fruit. Balance is key to strong yields.

152471848_482092576124102_4323201112698001769_n (1)

478403895_18120006829426188_5170125783123087335_n

Common Fertiliser Issues

Excess nitrogen: Lots of leaves, very few fruits.
Low potassium: Flowers drop, fruits don’t set properly.
Calcium deficiency: Blossom-end rot – brown, sunken patches on fruit bases.
Magnesium deficiency: Yellowing between leaf veins, mostly on older leaves.
Iron deficiency: Pale young leaves, stunted growth.

Capsicum Growing FAQ

When should I grow capsicum in Australia? Spring and summer in cooler regions; year-round in warm zones.
How long until harvest? Around 14–20 weeks from seed.
Can I grow capsicum in pots? Yes, but use large containers with quality potting mix.
Why is my plant not fruiting? Usually too much nitrogen, poor pollination, or low potassium.
Can capsicum grow in winter? Only in tropical and subtropical regions unless grown under cover.