🫑 Pepper: Growing Guide
Pepper (Capsicum annuum) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 18–30 °C (64–86 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart. Expect 70–90 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Capsicum annuum |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 45 cm (18 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–6.8 |
| Comfortable temperature | 18–30 °C (64–86 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 70–90 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Continental | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||
| Tropical | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jan–Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Sep.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Feb–Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Sep · Plant out: Feb–Mar, Oct · Harvest: Apr–Jun, Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan–Feb, Aug–Sep · Harvest: Mar–May, Oct–Dec.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Mar–Apr · Plant out: May–Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Jan–Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar, Sep–Oct · Harvest: Apr–May, Nov–Dec.
Watering
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Moderate watering, avoid waterlogging.
Growing tips
Loves heat. Rich in vitamin C. Popular types include Florina, Kapia and Babas.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Pepper: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Jan–Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Sep. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Feb–Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Pepper: how often should I water it?
Water about every 2 days in summer and about every 7 days in winter. Moderate watering, avoid waterlogging.
Pepper: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 45 cm (18 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Pepper: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 70–90 days.
Pepper: which plants grow well with it?
Basil, Carrot, Pansy.
Pepper: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Spider mite.
Plan your garden
Add Pepper to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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