Capsicum 1

One vegetable that I never considered growing was capsicum until I saw it growing in Johnny's garden (showcased in previous blog). It's a great pleasure to watch it grow flower and fruit.
Capsicum come from the same family as chillies and are perfect for growing during winter in the tropics. They belong to the same botanical family as tomatoes, potatoes and egg plant, and are therefore subject to similar diseases. to avoid disease build up rotate with other crops of different families. Treat as an annual sowing and planting out in a bed every year during winter in the tropics.Plants will last from after the wet in March till early December 8 full months fantastic.
Next time your going to eat capsicum simply save the seeds and sow them in some compost. Pick your favourite variety from the supermarket. Types you'll find there include Bell, Long Yellow and Hot Red. I was amazed to see every seed I sowed germinate seen here in the first picture.



Start seed toward the end of the wet season so the can be planted out as soon as the weather cools. Warm conditions around 24-30 degrees are best over a 6 month period to get high yields and quality fruit. Temperatures need to drop to 15-17 degrees for good fruit development. Pretty close to temperatures we're experiencing now in Cairns.
Once your seeds have germinated plant out in a bed with about 30cm between each plant, and each row. Plants will reach from 50cm to 80cm in height.



Water regularly as dry periods may cause shedding of flowers and young fruit.
Pick capsicums at any stage as there is no need to wait until they are full size. Frequent picking encourages more flowers and fruit. fruit size will gradually decline over the growing season.
If you leave your geen capsicums on the plant they over time eventally turn red with a more intense flavour and less watery texture - thus red capsicums are more expensive to buy as they take longer to grow.
Sometimes plants may need staking or some kind of support if bearing a heavy crop. Stems are brittle and easy to break so a sheltered position protected from wind is best.
There is also a perennial variety that last in the tropics for 3-4 years - that taste a little bland but will survive the wet season - seed are availabe from Eden Seeds.



Capsicums are a great addition to your vegie garden so next time save your seed and plant them out.