A warm-season vegetable bearing crisp sweet capsicums or fiery chillies that ripen from green to red, yellow or orange. Compact and productive in garden beds or containers in full sun.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 80 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Capsicum
Capsicum annuum is a moderate-growing edible plant in the Solanaceae family. It reaches around 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity.
Where to grow Capsicum
Capsicum suits warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Capsicum does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Capsicum does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Capsicum in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Its ongoing care level is moderate maintenance.
Using Capsicum in the garden
Capsicum earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate as Capsicum. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Capsicum
Plant Sale lists Capsicum as seedlings and seed. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Capsicum seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
