How to Grow Sweet Banana Capsicum

  1. Choose the right location with lots of sun to grow Sweet Banana Capsicum.  At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients.
  2. Planting the seeds indoors in small pots. Sow two to three seeds per pot, about 5mm deep, and water lightly. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 10-15cm, they can be transplanted into the garden.
  3. Transplant the seedlings after the threat of frost has passed unless you live in a water climate with no frost.  Space them about 60cm apart, and make sure the soil is loose and well-drained. 
  4. Fertilising regularly is beneficial for Sweet Banana Capsicum plants. Use a balanced fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season.
  5. Water regularly especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering them, as this can lead to root rot.
  6. Prune the plants regularly to encourage bushy growth and increase the yield.  Remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems, as well as any suckers that grow between the main stem and the leaves.
  7. Harvest Sweet Banana Capsicum when the fruits are about 15-20cm long and have turned bright yellow. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruits from the plant, leaving a small piece of stem attached.
  8. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, cut them into strips or cubes and blanch them first.  Freeze in zip lock bags.

Heritage of Sweet Banana Capsicum

The sweet banana capsicum (Capsicum annuum) is a type of pepper that is believed to have originated in the Americas. It was first domesticated by the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America, and later spread to other parts of the world through trade and exploration. Today, sweet banana capsicum is widely cultivated in many countries, and is a popular ingredient in many cuisines due to its mild, sweet flavour and versatility in cooking. 
Plant Height 45 - 60 cm (1.5 - 2 feet)
Season of Interest Summer
Temperature Range 18 - 30°C (64 - 86°F)
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender Frost Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Full sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Raise Seedlings
Seed Preparation No special preparation is needed, but soaking seeds in water overnight may help
Sowing Depth 0.5 cm (0.2 inches)
Plant Spacing 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches)
Row Spacing 60 cm (24 inches)
Watering Regular watering, but do not overwater
Good Companion Plants Basil, Marigold, Parsley, Thyme, Tomatoes,Onions
Bad Companion Plants Brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cabbage, kale), Fennel, Potatoes,Kohlrabi
Pests Aphids, Spider mites, Whiteflies, Fruit fly,Pepper Weevils
Diseases Blossom End Rot,Powdery Mildew,Bacterial Leaf Spot

CAPSICUM-SWEET BANANA

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More About Direct Compost Solutions

When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.

Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn't suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden.