Growing Capsicum

Capsicum growing is easy and a valuable part of a tropical food garden. Native to the Americas capsicum is now cultivated worldwide.

Capsicum is in the nightshade family Solanaceae. However, capsicum comes several varieties, such as jalapeño, peperoncini, and peperoncito. Here we are concerned with the humble capsicum, which is large and mild and is probably sold at your local supermarket.

Capsicum Growing from Seed

Capsicum Growing in Pots

Capsicum prefer to be planted in the ground or container beds. However, they can be grown in larger pots.

If you do grow them in a pot, they should be in a potting mix, and make sure the pot has holes for drainage.

Location and Soil

Capsicum can be grown in a wide range of soils. Sandy loams or alluvial soils are fine. The main thing is that the soil is deep and free draining. It is good to have a high content of organic matter in the soil, so don’t be afraid to work in heaps of compost before planting.

Fertilising 

Use a fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Be sure to apply the fertiliser to the base of the plant so you do not burn the leaves.

Water and Capsicum Growing

Capsicum needs 2.5cm (1in) of water each week. Water twice a week, so a deep watering occurs. Hence you are sure to get to the roots of the plant.

Capsicum Growing Problems

Insect pests and diseases are more of a problem during the wet season. This is due to the hot humid conditions.

Fruit flies, blossom end rot and root-knot nematodes can be a problem.  Leaf eating beetles and aphids are also pests in the tropics. However, you can pick these from your vine at home, or if the challenge is bigger you can use an insecticide.

However, regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. Indeed white oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.

Following this capsicum growing guide should help you grow a healthy crop!

Capsicum Growing Season

The best time to grow capsicum in the tropics is during the ‘dry season’. We suggest growing from May to October to give you the best chance of success.

Eating Capsicum

Health Benefits

Weight Loss

Eating capsicum can help keep your blood sugar stable. Indeed the fibre in this plant can lower blood sugar by slowing the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the body. Consequently, this slower absorption keeps blood sugar levels steady and prevents spikes and crashes.

Fibre

Capsicum is very high in fibre that is low in calories. This is good for digestion and bowel function.

Fibre may also help lower your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and reduce your blood pressure and decrease your chance of cardiovascular disease.

Immune System

The high levels of Vitamin C also make this vegetable a valuable food in boosting your immunity.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants in capsicum, help to combat free radicals in your body. These free-radicals can damage cells and can lead to disease, so eating capsicum can help you stay well.

Prebiotics

Capsicum is also a great source of prebiotic fibre that will have a positive effect on your gut health.

All of the capsicum growing tips above are worth the effort when it results in tasty produce that is good for your health.

Other Tropical Vegetables

• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Jicama
• Kangkong
• Malabar Spinach
• Pak Choi
• Perpetual Spinach
• Pumpkin Growing
• Snake Beans Growing
• Sweet Potato
• Tatsoi

Relevant Content

• Collecting Seeds
• Grow Food at Home
• Tropical Herbs
• Tropical Fruits
• Tropical Vegetables
• Indoor Ficus

Tropical Gardening