How to grow Capsicum in New Zealand
Capsicums, or sweet peppers, are the mild cousins of chillies and need a long, warm season to ripen. Green and red fruit are the same thing at different stages: red, yellow and orange capsicums are simply riper, sweeter fruit. In most of New Zealand they are started indoors in late winter and planted out once the soil is warm, and a sheltered sun trap or glasshouse makes all the difference in cooler regions.
📖 Our full guide: When to Plant Capsicum in NZ: How to Grow Capsicums by Region
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to November | |
| Auckland | September to November | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to November | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to December | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to December | |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | |
| Central Otago | December |
Not to be confused with: Chilli, the hot relative grown in exactly the same way.
Where to plant
Plant capsicums in the sunniest spot you have, in well-drained soil rich in humus, protected from strong winds. They are frost tender and stop growing in cold soil, so do not plant out until the soil has warmed and nights are mild. In cooler regions a glasshouse, tunnel house or a spot against a warm wall gives the best ripening.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty: start seed indoors from August and plant out from September to November once the soil warms.
- Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: plant out from October to December, in a sheltered, sunny spot.
- Central North Island and Canterbury: plant out in November or December. A cloche, tunnel house or warm wall helps the fruit ripen before autumn.
- Otago and Southland: plant out in November or December, ideally under cover.
- Central Otago: plant out in December after the last frosts; the hot summers ripen fruit well if you protect plants at each end of the season.
Choosing a variety
- Californian Wonder: a reliable, adaptable heirloom blocky capsicum with sweet, thick-walled fruit on compact, sturdy plants. A golden form is also available.
- Giant Bell: large, glossy green fruit ripening to rich sweet red, good for stuffing and roasting.
- Marconi Red and Corno di Toro: long, sweet Italian horn-shaped peppers, good for sauces and roasting. Open-pollinated types like these can need extra warmth to germinate.
- Sweet Banana or Yellow Banana: long, tapered, mild fruit, very productive in warm spots.
How to plant
- Sow seed about 6 mm deep in trays of seed raising mix from August to November, in a warm spot or on a heat pad. Bottom heat helps germination.
- Keep moist and warm; seedlings appear in 7 to 14 days.
- Pot on into individual pots and grow on in a warm, bright spot.
- Harden off for a week, then plant out once frosts are over and the soil is warm, 45 cm apart, into soil enriched with compost.
- Put in a stake at planting time, well clear of the root area, to support the fruit load later.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly and deeply, keeping the soil evenly moist. Irregular watering is a common cause of blossom end rot. Mulch well to hold moisture and keep the roots warm.
Feed every fortnight with a fertiliser for tomatoes or fruiting vegetables once flowering starts.
Pruning and care through the year
- Tie plants to their stakes as heavy crops develop.
- In very hot, sunny spells, 30 to 50 percent shade cloth prevents sunscald on the fruit.
- Cover young plants with fine insect mesh where tomato-potato psyllid is a problem.
- Rotate capsicums with other tomato family crops, avoiding beds where tomatoes, potatoes or eggplants grew recently.
Harvesting
Capsicums can be picked green once the walls are firm and thick, about 10 to 12 weeks after planting, but they are sweeter if left to ripen to red, yellow or orange. Cut the fruit with secateurs rather than pulling, as the stems are brittle.
Capsicums keep up to a week in the fridge crisper. They roast, peel and freeze well.
Growing in pots
Capsicums grow well in pots, which can be moved to the warmest spot or under cover. Use a pot at least 30 cm wide, ideally 50 cm, filled with quality potting mix, in full sun and out of wind. Water often and feed fortnightly once flowering.
Using it
Eat capsicums raw in salads, or roast, stuff, grill, stir-fry or sauté them. Roasted and peeled capsicums freeze well.
Companion planting
Capsicums share a bed well with other warm-season crops.
Good companions
- Basil A warm-season herb that likes the same conditions and fills the gaps.
- Tomato Same family and needs, though rotate the bed afterwards.
- Carrot A root crop that shares the bed without competing for the same space.
- Marigold Brings beneficial insects to the bed.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to capsicum.
Pests and diseases
Tomato-potato psyllid, aphids and whitefly are the main pests in New Zealand. Blossom end rot is a watering problem, not a disease.
Pests to watch for
- Tomato potato psyllid Yellowing, purpling and cupped leaves, stunted plants and poor fruit set, with tiny jumping insects and white psyllid sugar on leaves. Cover with fine mesh.
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on new growth and under leaves.
- Whitefly Tiny white insects that fly up when disturbed, sticky leaves and sooty mould.
- Slugs Ragged holes in young leaves and slime trails.
Diseases to watch for
- Blossom end rot Sunken, leathery brown patches at the base of the fruit, caused by uneven watering. Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Bacterial spot Small, dark, water-soaked spots on leaves and raised scabby spots on fruit, worst in warm, wet weather.
- Powdery mildew White or ash-grey film on the leaves.
Common questions
When should I plant capsicums in New Zealand?
Start seed indoors from August, then plant out once the soil is warm and frosts are over: from September in the warm north, October in Wellington and Nelson, and November or December in Canterbury, the central North Island and the south.
Why are my capsicums staying green?
They need time and warmth to ripen. Green fruit is simply immature; leave it on the plant and it will turn red, yellow or orange in warm weather. In cool regions, grow them under cover.
What causes black patches on the bottom of my capsicums?
Blossom end rot, caused by uneven watering. Water deeply and regularly and mulch to keep the soil evenly moist.
Can I grow capsicums in a pot?
Yes. Use a pot at least 30 cm wide, ideally 50 cm, in a sunny, sheltered spot, and water and feed regularly.
Why won't my capsicum seeds germinate?
They need warmth, 20 to 30°C. Use a heat pad or a warm spot indoors; open-pollinated varieties can take longer than hybrids.
Do capsicums need staking?
Usually they hold themselves up, but heavy crops can snap branches. Put in a stake at planting, well away from the roots.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow capsicum; Yates NZ: Common problems of capsicum; Kings Seeds: Capsicum Californian Wonder Golden; Kings Seeds: Capsicum Marconi Red.