Capsicums and chillies love warmth, and a raised bed's soil heats up early and drains freely — exactly what these heat-lovers want for a long, productive season.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun, 6+ hours
- Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 10–12 weeks
- Support: a stake for heavy-fruiting plants
When should I plant capsicum and chilli?
Both are frost-tender — plant from spring once the soil is warm, through summer. In tropical zones the window is longer. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
- Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): August to January
- Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to December
- Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to November
- Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to September
- Arid inland: August to December
How do I grow capsicum and chilli in a raised bed?
Plant into warm mix in the sunniest spot. Stake taller varieties so heavy fruit doesn't snap the stems, and pinch the first flower to build a stronger plant.
How often should I water and feed capsicum and chilli?
Water deeply and consistently — uneven watering brings on blossom-end rot. Feed every couple of weeks once fruit sets; a food like Dynamic Lifter suits them.
What pests attack capsicum and chilli?
Keep an eye out for aphids, fruit fly, caterpillars, thrips and two-spotted mite. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide. For fruit fly, mesh beats spray: wrap a Grow Frame bed (or the kit, shipped Australia wide) in fine insect mesh before the fruit forms, held clear of the plants. Capsicums and chillies pollinate themselves, so the mesh can stay on.
What diseases affect capsicum and chilli?
The main ones are blossom-end rot, fusarium wilt and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
What grows well with capsicum and chilli?
Basil and carrots are good neighbours; keep them away from fennel. See our companion planting guide.
When do I harvest capsicum and chilli?
Pick capsicums green, or leave them to colour up sweeter. Chillies can be picked at any stage and dried or frozen to keep.
Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us, via Wikimedia Commons.