When to Plant Capsicum (Bell Pepper) in Alice Springs, Arid / Semi-Arid Guide

Sow September to March. Right now in September you can sow.

Also called bell pepper, sweet pepper.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Capsicum (Bell Pepper) guide is written for the Arid / Semi-Arid zone, which takes in Alice Springs, Broken Hill and Port Augusta. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Capsicum (Bell Pepper)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Capsicums are warm-season Solanaceae closely related to chillies, tomatoes and eggplant. They need a long, warm growing season to produce well. The coloured varieties (red, yellow, orange) are simply mature green capsicums left on the plant longer. A staple of Australian home gardens in warm and temperate zones.

Planting Calendar for Arid / Semi-Arid

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T S/T T - - - - - S S/T S/T S/T

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 22.7°C (optimal range: 18–35°C) ✓ Ready to plant

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Alice Springs), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Capsicum (Bell Pepper) in Arid / Semi-Arid Australia

When to Plant

Two windows: September-October for summer crop, February-March for autumn crop. Avoid midsummer planting when extreme heat exceeds 40C.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with generous compost. Slightly acidic preferred.
pH Range
6.0-6.8
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours). Fruit colour development requires good light.
Spacing
45cm apart, 60cm between rows
Watering
Consistent, even moisture is critical. Irregular watering causes blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Deep water 2-3 times per week. Drip irrigation ideal. Avoid wetting foliage.

Companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Marigold, Parsley, Oregano

Avoid planting near: Fennel, Brassicas, Other Solanaceae (same bed rotation issues)

Arid / Semi-Arid Growing Tips for Capsicum (Bell Pepper)

Recommended Varieties

  • California Wonder
  • Yolo Wonder
  • Sweet Banana
  • Marconi Red

Key Challenges

  • Extreme heat causing flower drop and sunscald
  • High water requirements
  • Fruit fly (depending on area)

Pro Tips

  • 30-50% shade cloth is essential during December-February
  • Drip irrigation on timer. Capsicums cannot tolerate drought
  • Autumn crop (February planting) often colours better as temperatures moderate

Harvesting Capsicum (Bell Pepper)

When ready: Green capsicums: full-sized, firm, glossy skin. Coloured capsicums: leave on plant 2-3 weeks past green stage until fully coloured (red, yellow, orange depending on variety). Coloured fruit is sweeter with higher vitamin C.

How to harvest: Cut with sharp secateurs leaving a short stem. Do not pull. This damages the plant. Harvest in morning when firm and cool.

Worth growing?

A 2.4 m × 1.2 m bed fits 6 plants, about $77 worth at today’s Aldi and Coles prices, checked today.

That is roughly 12 kg at $6.44 a kilo.

Draw your capsicum (bell pepper) bed → No account needed.

Where to next

What capsicum costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the arid and semi-arid zone this September: Ginger, Chilli Peppers, Lemongrass and Beetroot.

The pest most likely to find your capsicum: Botrytis / Grey Mould.

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Common Questions About Capsicum (Bell Pepper)

When do you plant capsicum in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does capsicum grow all year round in Alice Springs?

No. In the Arid / Semi-Arid zone the planting months are Jan to Mar, Sep to Dec. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

What else is capsicum called?

Capsicum is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it bell pepper, sweet pepper. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Arid / Semi-Arid zone, Alice Springs is its reference city.