capsicum (sweet peppers)

Plant Height   

Up to 60cm/ 2ft 

Time between sowing and harvesting   

About 18 weeks

Sowing time   

March - April - temperature   16-21C/60-70F

Where to Sow   

Indoors in small pots 7.5cm/3" diameter filled with compost.

How to Sow   

2 seeds per pot - 6mm/1/4-inch deep. Germination takes up to 21 days

After Germination  

Remove the weakest seedling

Growing on -  in Pots   

Harden off plants which have been raised indoors and finally move outdoors once all danger of frost has passed. As the plants get bigger, pot up into larger pots in stages ending with one plant per 20cm/8" container or 3 per growbag. Place in a hot sheltered sunny position. 

Growing on- in ground   

As above but plant  in beds or borders 45cm/ 18" apart.

Aftercare   

Water regularly, but do not keep the compost very wet.  Limit to 6-10 fruits per plant. Feed with tomato food once the fruit start to swell each time you water.

Harvesting  

Start picking fruit when they are green once they have reached the size of a tennis ball and the skin is smooth and glossy (probably at the beginning of August). This will ensure continuing new fruit production. A mature pepper will turn red (or whatever colour) at the end of the season but remember leaving peppers to fully ripen will halt new fruit production. Crops over about 8 weeks.