Capsicum Growing Guide

Choose your capsicum

Capsicums are a colourful addition to any garden and come in all kinds of shades - red, yellow, orange, green, purple, and even black. Most capsicums start green and change color as they ripen. As they mature, both their colour and taste develop, so you can pick them at different stages depending on your preferred sweetness. They’re relatively easy to grow and mature in about three months, making them ideal for warm regions.

Popular varieties include:

• Californian Wonder
• Sweet Banana
• Sweet Conical
• Midas
• Chocolate Beauty
• Purple Beauty

If growing from seed, start a month earlier to allow time for germination.

Prepare the soil

• Capsicums thrive in rich, fertile soil and full sun. They’re frost-tender, so wait until November to plant outdoors in cooler areas.
• Prepare your garden bed by mixing Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost into your existing soil.

Get planting

Growing from seed

• Begin indoors in a warm, well-lit area and keep the soil consistently moist.
• Prepare seed trays with Tui Seed Raising Mix and sow seeds 5mm deep.
• Once seedlings reach around 5cm and are easy to handle they’re ready to transplant.
• Keep them inside until the soil warms up and the risk of frost has passed.
• Seedlings will need to be hardened off by gradually moving them outside for a few hours each day over a week, so they get used to the weather before planting them in the garden.

Planting seedlings

• It’s best to plant in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn’t too intense, to avoid wilting.
• To reduce transplant shock, soak the seedlings in Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic and allow to drain.
• Select your planting spot and space seedlings out according to instructions on the seed packet or plant label. The variety you choose to grow affects how far apart you need to plant the seedlings.
• If you’re planting in the garden add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix; developed to give vege crops a strong start and includes a blend of fertilisers, sheep pellets, blood & bone and dolomite lime to support initial plant growth. 
• If you’re planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.
• Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball, then place seedlings into the planting hole and fill around it.
• Water well and maintain regular watering.
  

FEED AND NOURISH

• Capsicums are hungry plants! Feed them to ensure strong growth and a bountiful harvest.
• Choose from a variety of different Tui fertiliser options, depending on what suits you and your garden.  
  • Tui Tomato Liquid Superfood is perfect for quick results as plants are able to absorb the nutrients immediately. Suitable for capsicums growing in pots and containers or in the garden. For best results feed weekly.
  • Tui Tomato Food is a granular option formulated specifically for veges planted in garden beds. It can be applied every four weeks and is not recommended for pots and containers.
  • Enrich Vege, Tomato & Herb Controlled Release Fertiliser lasts up to six months, making it perfect for gardeners who prefer a ‘feed and forget’ option. It’s also suitable for pots and containers.
  • Tui Performance Organics Tomato & Vegetable Fertiliser pellets are an organic option that can be used both in the garden and in pots and containers.
• Keep soil free of weeds and protect roots with Tui Mulch & Feed as the weather cools in autumn, or try Tui Pea Straw for a less manicured look.
• Protect from slugs and snails by applying Tui Quash every few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant capsicums in New Zealand?

• The best time to plant capsicums in New Zealand is during spring and early summer, from October to December. 
• Capsicums thrive in warm temperatures and full sun, so it’s important to wait until after the risk of frost has passed before planting them outdoors. 
• This timing ensures healthy growth and a fruitful harvest.

How long do capsicums take to grow in New Zealand?

• Capsicums typically take 10 to 12 weeks to mature after transplanting in New Zealand gardens. In warmer regions, you might see fruit develop sooner. 
• Most capsicum varieties start off green and change colour as they ripen, allowing you to harvest at various stages depending on your preferred sweetness.

Can I grow capsicums in containers or indoors in New Zealand?

• Capsicums grow well in containers or indoors. Use pots with a minimum depth of 25cm and place them in a sunny, sheltered spot such as a north-facing balcony or windowsill. 
• In cooler regions, starting seeds indoors or in a greenhouse can improve germination success and extend the growing season.

Can capsicum plants survive New Zealand winters outdoors?

• Capsicum plants are sensitive to frost and often do not survive harsh NZ winters when left in the ground, especially in cooler regions. 
• In warmer areas capsicums may survive the winter with some protection but often lose vigour and produce fewer fruits the following season.
• For best results, treat capsicums as annual plants and replant each spring. Alternatively, grow them in containers so you can bring them indoors or into a greenhouse during colder months to prolong their life.

Discover more advice and inspiration for growing your own veges at the Vege Hub >