🌱 How to Grow Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: लाल शिमला मिर्च

• Tamil: சிவப்பு குடமிளகாய்

• Telugu: ఎర్ర బెల్ మిరపకాయ

• Malayalam: ചുവപ്പ് കപ്പ്സിക്കം

• Kannada: ಕೆಂಪು ಡೋಣ ಮೆಣಸಿನಕಾಯಿ

• English: Red Capsicum / Bell Pepper

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season crop

• Best time to sow:

  • January–April (or June–August in mild climates)

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 30°C

• Avoid cold or frost

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, well-drained, and fertile

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake powder

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In garden: 18–24 inches between plants

  • In pots: Use 12-inch deep containers, sow 2–3 seeds and thin to 1 healthy seedling

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy

• Water when the top inch feels dry

• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

5. Germination

• Seeds sprout in 7–14 days

• Transplant when seedlings are 4–6 inches tall

• Handle gently to avoid transplant shock

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Best growing temperature: 21°C to 30°C

• In hot regions, provide partial afternoon shade

7. Fertilization

• Start feeding after 3–4 weeks

• Use:

  • Organic compost

  • Liquid fertilizers (banana peel tea, seaweed extract)

• Once flowering begins: Use low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer for better fruiting

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days

• Keep area clean and well-ventilated

9. Harvesting

• First green fruits: 60–70 days

• Fully ripe red capsicum: 80–90 days

• Cut fruits gently with scissors or a knife to avoid damaging the plant

10. Regrow Tip

• Save seeds from a fully ripe red capsicum

• Dry thoroughly and store in an airtight container

• Plants can continue producing for 3–4 months with care

❤️ Health Benefits of Red Capsicum

• Rich in Vitamin C, A, B6, and antioxidants

• Boosts immunity, skin health, and eye health

• Low in calories — great for weight management

• Contains capsanthin, a powerful antioxidant