Capsicums
Capsicums have a higher source of Vitamin
C than any other vegetable, add a tremendous flavor to salads and
variety n cooked dishes, and are attractive in growth. The most popular
and widely grown are the sweet or bell peppers including Californian
Wonder and Yolo. These are also referred to as Bullnose types. Sweet
Banana is a long yellow or banana-shaped variety. The hot peppers, e.g.
Long Red Cayenne and Tabasco, are popular for pickles, chutneys,
curries, etc.
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Requirements to Grow Capsicums
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Capsicums are warmth-lovers needing much
the same conditions as tomatoes. Although not to be confused with
ornamental chilies which are not edible, capsicums are very decorative
as pot plants or in any sunny, not too root-infested, area of the
ornamental garden.
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Planting time for Growing Capsicums
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As capsicums need 4-5 months of warm
conditions, they should be planted in both cool and cooler temperate
districts as soon as nights have lost their chill. Sow seed indoors or
in warm sheltered corners during early spring, because seeds do not
germinate readily until temperatures are above 20°C.
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In warmer temperate areas they may be
planted out as late as November or early December, in warm
semi-tropical areas until February and in the extreme north during
mid-autumn or as soon as the wet conditions are over.
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Cultivation for Capsicums
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As plenty of air circulation is desirable
leave about 50 cm between plants. Prepare the soil with a compost and
complete plant food as suggested for tomatoes and water whenever the
soil surface dries out. Sweet peppers can be picked at any time but are
best when the fruits have reached full size and are firm and crisp. All
except the yellow types are green initially then turn red when ripe but
may be used at either stage.
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Special problems
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Sometimes fruit fly protection is needed
(see tomatoes). The setting of fruits may be affected by sudden cold
changes, heat-wave conditions or extreme dryness. If spotting of fruit
or foliage occurs use copper spray or Zineb. Tomato dust will also
control these and pest problems.
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