How to grow

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Background

The iconic and widely cultivated capsicum, the California Wonder, dates back to the early 20th century when it was developed by the Joseph Harris Seed Company in the United States.

Released in 1928, this open-pollinated heirloom pepper quickly gained popularity for its thick walls, sweet flavour, and vibrant colour.

Capsicums in general have a much longer history, dating back thousands of years in the Americas.

Indigenous peoples in regions like Mexico and Peru were the first to cultivate these colourful vegetables.

They spread to Europe with the voyages of Christopher Columbus, where they then spread to the rest of the world through trade and exploration.

In Europe, capsicums quickly became popular in Mediterranean cuisine and were embraced by various cultures. The Spanish and Portuguese played a significant role in introducing capsicums to Asia, where they integrated into diverse culinary traditions like those in India, China, and Thailand.

Health Benefits

Home grown, Capsicums are good for you.

They are rich in vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports the immune system and collagen production for healthy skin.

Capsicums also provide vitamin A, promoting good vision and overall eye health. Additionally, they contain fibre, which aids digestion and supports weight management.

The vibrant red colour of capsicums indicate various phytonutrients that contribute to overall well-being.

Incorporating capsicums into your diet can help boost immunity, enhance skin health, and provide essential nutrients for a balanced and nutritious lifestyle.

Growing Tips and Tricks

Location

Choose a sunny spot: Capsicums thrive in full sunlight, so select a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Warm and sheltered: They prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 21°C to 29°C. Plant them in a sheltered area to protect them from strong winds.

Watering:

– Consistent moisture: Capsicums require regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

– Drip irrigation or soaker hoses: Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to provide water directly to the soil, reducing the risk of foliar diseases.

Common problems

– Pests: Watch out for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Use natural remedies or insecticidal soap to control infestations.

– Diseases: Capsicums can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial infections. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues.

Patch to plate

Homegrown capsicums are absolutely packed with flavour and are super versatile in the kitchen. Here are a couple of suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

• Roasted, peeled and cut into strips. Roasting really brings out the sweetness and depth of flavour in capsicum and when prepared like this can be used to give a tasty boost to salads, bbq’s meat and scrambled eggs
• Combined with passata, onion, chicken and celery for a delicious Roman Style chicken
• Stirfryed with beef, chilli, spring onion and black bean sauce!