How to Grow Capsicum annuum - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Bush Category   /   2023

Capsicum annuum, or bell pepper, is a popular type of pepper plant that is grown in many gardens. These plants are relatively easy to grow, and they produce a large amount of fruit. The bell pepper is a versatile pepper that can be used in many different dishes.

How to Grow Capsicum annuum - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Capsicum annuum plant? Because it is a plant that is easy to take care of, it does not need a lot of water or sunlight to survive. It can be kept in a pot and does not need to be transplanted. The plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings.

Plant Size

How big can it be? Because this species can vary so much in size, from a few inches to a few feet, it is often grown in pots. When grown in a pot, it typically reaches a size of 20-50 cm, or about 8-20 inches. This makes it a great plant for small spaces, such as balconies or patios.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? Eventually, the plant will produce small, white flowers. These flowers will turn into the peppers that you'll harvest.

Capsicum annuum Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Bush
Family Solanaceae
Origin Tropics of Central and South America

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? known as an annual plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in one growing season. This is in contrast to biennial plants, which take two years to complete their life cycles.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? The reason I choose this plant is because I am growing it. Capsicum annuum is a plant that thrives in warm temperatures. In the summer, it enjoys temperatures between 50 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is easy to care for and is a great addition to any garden.

Humidity

What about the humidity? Common ly, the plant needs to be sprayed from above 1 time per week, after flowering it favors the formation of fruits. The soil should be moist, not waterlogged, and the drainage should be good. If the humidity is too low, the flowers will fall, and the plant will stop growing.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? Common ly called sweet peppers or bell peppers, capsicum annuum is a member of the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes, and chili peppers. The plant grows as an annual in most climates, and peppers come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. While all types of capsicum annuum need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, some varieties require up to 12 hours for optimal fruiting.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Capsicum annuum? If you have a garden, the best soil for your Capsicum annuum plant is well-drained garden soil with a neutral reaction. If you don't have garden soil, you can make your own potting mix by mixing two parts garden land, two parts humus, and two parts peat. Add one part coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. You can also use a substrate based on peat. Be sure to use a pot with a hole in the bottom to allow for drainage.

Watering Time

How much I must water Capsicum annuum? The plant needs a lot of water, especially during the flowering period when it should be watered every 3-4 days. The soil should not dry out. If the plant is in the sun, the watering should be even more frequent. When the fruit is ripe, the plant should be given less water. If the temperature is cool (at a temperature of 59 ° F), the plant should be watered once a week.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. The Capsicum annuum is a plant that should be fertilized every two weeks from May to September 1. After the fruit has been tied, stop feeding the plant.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Capsicum annuum? The method of seed propagation is by early spring sowing in mini-greenhouses. The temperature should be 68-71,6°F. The seed container should be covered with glass and placed in a dark location. Once seedlings emerge, the mini-greenhouse can be transferred to a light location. A month after seedlings have 2 leaves, the plants can be divided and transplanted. For beginners, this process is difficult.

Bloom

Why Capsicum annuum won't bloom? While some may find the white-green flowers unattractive, this plant is appreciated for the beauty of its fruits. These fruits change color as they mature, going from purple to beige, red, orange, or yellow.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Capsicum annuum? Because of the long and warm growing season, bell pepper transplants are often started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Peppers are very sensitive to root disturbance, so it is important to handle them carefully when transplanting. Once the seedlings develop, transplant them once. Also, it is necessary to transplant the purchased plants once.

Caring The Capsicum annuum

How to care the plant? When taking care of Capsicum annuum plants, it is best to do so in the summer. This is the time when the plant does the best in the open air. The fruits of the plant can be used as a seasoning. As soon as they begin to wither and fall, the plant is usually thrown out.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Capsicum annuum plant? known that the plant is very demanding of the temperature and humidity conditions. If the temperature is too high or low, the plant will not develop properly. In addition, the plant is very susceptible to drafts. The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight, but at the same time it needs a lot of light to develop.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Capsicum annuum poisonous? The reason this plant is so toxic is due to a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is an irritant to both humans and animals, and can cause a burning sensation when it comes into contact with skin. The severity of the reaction depends on how much capsaicin the plant contains.