How to Grow Capsicum in New Zealand

A long warm season crop. In Auckland start seed indoors from August and plant out after the soil warms. A sheltered sunny spot or glasshouse gives the best ripening. Mulch well and feed fortnightly once flowering.

When to plant capsicum in New Zealand

Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:

Best capsicum varieties for NZ

• Californian Wonder — Blocky sweet bell pepper, ripens green to red, dependable old favourite. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mitre 10)
• Sweet Banana — Long tapered yellow fruit, mild and sweet, very productive. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
• Giant Bell — Large thick-walled bell, sweet flesh, good for stuffing. (Egmont Seeds)
• Yellow Banana — Sweet elongated fruit ripening to gold, heavy cropper in warm spots. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)

How to grow capsicum

• Space plants about 45cm apart.
• Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
• Position: full sun.
• Ready to harvest in roughly 100 days.
• Seeds germinate in about 14 days.

Companion planting

Grow capsicum near: Basil, Tomato, Carrot, Marigold.

Pests and problems

Watch for: Aphids, Whitefly, Tomato/potato psyllid. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.