Capsicum

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum

Capsicums are warm season, frost tender annuals to 60 – 90 cm tall; generally staking them is a good idea. Seeds germinate best at 20 – 30°C soil temperature. Sowing at too low a temperature will cause delayed or failed germination. In Temperate Areas: sow in early spring – either inside with extra bottom heat by using a bottom heat propagator; behind a sunny window or on top of a hot water system; if sowing outside wait until all frost danger has passed and the soil is warm. Generally, if starting capsicum inside then sow seed 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. By sowing early there will be time for a good crop to be produced before the first frost in winter. In Subtropical Areas: sow March – October in frost-free areas; wait for spring in areas that receive frost. In Tropical Areas: all year but avoid January – February above 32˚C can affect fruit set.