Capsicum (bell pepper) thrives in Australia's warm climate and produces generous harvests when given full sun and a long growing season. Green capsicums are simply unripe fruit, leaving them on the plant will produce sweeter red, yellow, or orange capsicums depending on variety, though this takes longer and reduces total yield.
Plant Spacing
45 cm apart
60 cm between rows
Days to Harvest
70-90 days from transplant
Germination: 10-21 days
Sun Needs
Full sun (6+ hours daily)
Water Needs
Regular, consistent moisture; drought stress causes blossom drop
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Expected Yield
5-15 fruits per plant per season
Planting times vary significantly across Australia's five climate zones. Find your zone below for the best planting windows.
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Months |
|---|---|
| Tropical (Darwin, Cairns) | March-April, August-September |
| Subtropical (Brisbane, Northern NSW) | July-October |
| Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) | September-November (indoors from August) |
| Cool/Alpine (Canberra, Hobart, high country) | October-November (indoors from September) |
| Arid (Alice Springs, outback) | August-October |
Not sure of your climate zone? Enter your postcode to get personalised planting advice.
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Capsicums are warm-season crops that need a long frost-free growing season, typically 4-5 months from transplant to full-colour fruit. In cooler Australian climates, starting seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost is essential; in subtropical and tropical areas, seedlings can be planted into beds almost year-round with appropriate variety selection.
Sow seeds at 6-8mm depth in warm propagating mix (ideally with bottom heat, capsicum germinates best at 24-28°C soil temperature). Under cool conditions, germination can take up to three weeks; in warm conditions it takes 10-14 days.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the raised bed once daytime temperatures are consistently above 18°C and nighttime temperatures stay above 12°C. Plant at the same depth as the seedling was growing, and stake the plant immediately, capsicums become top-heavy when fruiting.
Capsicums share the same family and growing requirements as tomatoes and chillies, and they make excellent companions. Plant basil between capsicum plants for aphid deterrence and to attract pollinators.
Feed regularly with a balanced fertiliser during vegetative growth, then switch to a high-potassium fertiliser once flowering begins. In very hot weather (35°C+), flower drop is common, provide afternoon shade and water consistently. Capsicums are perennial in frost-free climates and can be kept productive for 2-3 years with proper pruning and feeding.
From the makers
Plant Planner calculates how many capsicum plants your family needs, assigns them to the right beds, and generates a personalised planting schedule for your climate zone.
These plants make excellent neighbours for capsicum in your raised beds, they help deter pests, improve pollination, or enhance growing conditions.
Avoid planting capsicum near these crops, they can inhibit each other's growth, attract shared pests, or compete aggressively.
Aphids are the most common pest, clustering on new shoots and undersides of leaves.
Use insecticidal soap or introduce ladybirds.
Blossom end rot (dark, sunken patches at the fruit base) is caused by irregular watering and calcium uptake issues, mulch and water consistently.
Bacterial spot causes water-soaked lesions on leaves and fruit, remove affected material and improve airflow.
Fruit fly in eastern Australia is a significant risk, use exclusion nets or protein bait traps near fruit.
Harvest green capsicums (unripe) for highest yield, or leave on the plant to ripen to red, yellow, or orange for sweeter flavour and increased vitamin C content. A fully coloured capsicum takes 2-3 additional weeks on the plant after the green stage. Cut with scissors rather than snapping to avoid plant damage.
5-15 fruits per plant per season
Yield depends on variety, growing conditions, and management. These are typical results for well-maintained Australian raised beds.
Plant Planner checks every crop assignment against the full companion database, it knows that Capsicum grows well with Basil and Carrot and warns you about antagonists automatically.
Unlock FreePlant 4-6 plants for a family of 4; capsicums store well when roasted and frozen
These estimates are based on average Australian household consumption. Adjust up if you plan to preserve, freeze, or use heavily; adjust down for occasional use.
Capsicum germinates in 10-21 days and is ready to harvest in 70-90 days from transplant. Harvest green capsicums (unripe) for highest yield, or leave on the plant to ripen to red, yellow, or orange for sweeter flavour and increased vitamin C content.
Space capsicum plants 45 cm apart, with 60 cm between rows. Correct spacing gives each plant room for airflow and root development and is one of the easiest ways to lift your yield in a raised bed.
Full sun (6+ hours daily). Regular, consistent moisture; drought stress causes blossom drop.
It depends on your climate zone. In temperate areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide) plant capsicum September-November (indoors from August). Other zones: tropical, March-April, August-September; subtropical, July-October; cool, October-November (indoors from September); arid, August-October.
Capsicum grows well alongside Basil, Carrot, Tomato, Marigold, Okra, Spinach. Keep it away from Fennel, Brassicas, which can compete with it or attract shared pests.
Plant 4-6 plants for a family of 4; capsicums store well when roasted and frozen
Plant Planner automatically calculates how many capsicum plants your family needs, assigns them to the right beds, and generates a personalised planting schedule for your climate zone.
Calculate how many capsicum plants I needFree for 2 beds · No credit card required