Grow Capsicum in Pakistan: Moji Mall Guide
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Growing capsicum (شملہ مرچ) at home is a great way to enjoy fresh, colorful peppers for your kitchen. Whether green, red, or yellow, homegrown capsicum is sweeter, crisper, and more flavorful than store-bought ones. Here’s a simple guide to grow healthy capsicum plants in Pakistan’s climate.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Sowing Time | January to March |
| Ideal Temperature | 20°C to 28°C |
| Germination Time | 7–14 days |
| Transplant Time | 4–5 weeks after sowing |
| Spacing | 15–18 inches between plants |
| Harvest Time | 80–100 days after sowing |
Step 1: Sow Seeds 🌱
When to Sow:
- Sow seeds from January to March when temperatures are warming but not too hot.
- Ideal soil temperature for germination is 20°C to 28°C.
- Avoid very cold weather, as capsicum seeds need warmth to sprout.
How to Sow: Start seeds in trays or small pots filled with light, well-draining soil. Sow seeds about 0.25 inch deep and cover lightly.
Germination Tips: Seeds germinate in 7–14 days. Keep soil moist and warm, and provide indirect sunlight during early growth.
Step 2: Transplant Seedlings 🌿
When to Transplant: Move seedlings when they are 4–6 inches tall with 4–5 true leaves, about 4–5 weeks after sowing.
How to Transplant: Plant into 12–14 inch pots or directly into garden beds, spacing plants 15–18 inches apart for healthy growth.
Aftercare: Water immediately after transplanting. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot to protect young plants from strong winds.
Step 3: Care for Plants 🌞💧
Sunlight Needs: Capsicum needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong fruiting.
Watering: Water deeply 2–3 times a week, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Feeding Schedule: Start feeding after 3 weeks with NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer every 15 days. Once flowering begins, switch to NPK 5-15-45 to support fruit production.
Step 4: Protect Plants 🐛
Common Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites attacking the leaves.
Natural Protection: Spray neem oil every 10–12 days (1 teaspoon neem oil + 1 liter water + few drops soap), focusing on the undersides of leaves.
Common Problems:
- Flower Drop: Caused by irregular watering or temperature shocks — keep conditions steady.
- Small Fruits: Result from poor sunlight — ensure full sun exposure.
- Yellow Leaves: Usually indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
Step 5: Harvest Fruits 🫑
When to Harvest: Capsicum is ready 80–100 days after sowing, once fruits are firm and reach full size (can be harvested green or ripened to red/yellow).
How to Harvest: Use scissors or a knife to cut the fruit cleanly, leaving a short stem attached to improve shelf life.
Bonus Tip: Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more fruits over a longer season.
FAQs
Can I grow capsicum in pots?
Yes, capsicum grows very well in 12–14 inch pots with loose, fertile soil.
How tall do capsicum plants grow?
Most capsicum plants reach about 2–3 feet tall in home gardens.
Why are my capsicum plants flowering but not setting fruits?
This happens due to poor pollination or stress. Improve sunlight exposure and water steadily.
Can I grow capsicum in partial shade?
Partial shade slows fruiting. Capsicum needs full sun for best yields.
Should I prune capsicum plants?
Light pruning of crowded branches improves airflow and can help increase fruit production.
Growing capsicum at home is a fun and rewarding experience if you provide warm weather, steady care, and lots of sunlight. With a little patience, you’ll soon be picking colorful, crisp shimla mirch straight from your garden.
