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 to plant: Both are frost-tender — plant from spring once the soil is warm, through summer. In tropical zones the window is longer. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing them 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.
Watering and feeding: 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.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, fruit fly, caterpillars, thrips and two-spotted mite. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main ones are blossom-end rot, fusarium wilt and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
Companion plants: Basil and carrots are good neighbours; keep them away from fennel. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: 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 planting 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.
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