When to Plant Capsicum (Bell Pepper) in Melbourne, Cool Temperate Guide

Sow August to November. 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 Cool Temperate zone, which takes in Melbourne, Hobart and Geelong. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Canberra Alice Springs 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 Cool Temperate

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

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Capsicum (Bell Pepper) sowing time in Melbourne?

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 13.1°C (optimal range: 18–35°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

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

How to Grow Capsicum (Bell Pepper) in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Sow indoors August. Transplant late November-early December when reliably warm. Short season means green capsicums are most achievable; coloured types are difficult.

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)

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Capsicum (Bell Pepper)

Recommended Varieties

  • California Wonder
  • Sweet Banana (fastest to colour)
  • Mini capsicums (ripen faster)

Key Challenges

  • Very short warm season
  • Cool nights reducing fruit set
  • Green capsicums only in most years

Pro Tips

  • Mini capsicums ripen fastest and are the best bet for cool climates
  • Grow against a north-facing brick wall for radiant heat
  • Black plastic mulch warms soil significantly

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 cool temperate zone this September: Ginger, Sweet Corn, Chilli Peppers and Snow Peas.

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 Melbourne?

No. In the Cool Temperate zone the planting months are Aug to Nov. 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 Cool Temperate zone, Melbourne is its reference city.