GardenHow to grow capsicum
शिमला मिर्च. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsAugust and September, November to January
South and coastal IndiaJanuary and February, May and June, October and November
HillsMarch to May
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Raise seedlings in a tray or small pot and move them when they have 4 to 6 leaves, after about 4 to 5 weeks.
- Depth
- 0.5 cm
- Spacing
- 45 cm
- In a pot
- One plant in a pot 30 cm wide and deep
- Sprouts in
- 7 to 14 days
- Harvest
- 60 to 90 days after transplanting
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Capsicum likes mild weather: warm days and cool nights. In the plains it does best from autumn to early spring.
- Support the plant with a stick. The branches are brittle and break under the weight of fruit.
- Green fruits turn red or yellow if left on the plant, and become sweeter, but the plant then sets fewer new fruits.
What can go wrong
Flower drop in hot or very cold weather is normal. Sunken dry patches on the fruit are sunscald: let the leaves shade the fruit and do not strip them.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is capsicum sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for capsicum are August and September, November to January.
How long does capsicum take to grow?
Usually 60 to 90 days after transplanting.
Can capsicum be grown in a pot?
Yes. One plant in a pot 30 cm wide and deep.