kenthefarmer
Lister
Green capsicum, locally known as pilipili hoho, It is used in households, hotels, and food processing industries. Capsicum farming is gaining popularity because of its high yields, and ability to grow in various climates and soils.
Climatic and Soil Requirements
Green capsicum thrives in warm areas and can be grown successfully in both open fields and greenhouses. However, it is mostly grown outdoors because of its resistance to environmental conditions and diseases. It adapts well to a wide range of soils, but for the best results, farmers should ensure the soil is well-drained, rich in organic matter, and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Popular Green Capsicum Varieties in Kenya
1. Super Bell (Continental Seeds) – The most popular variety. Produces dark green, hard fruits that have a long shelf life.
2. Maxibell (Royal Seeds) – Well-known for its blocky shape and ability to grow well in many regions.
3. California Wonder – A tall variety with cheaper seed prices, making it affordable for many farmers.
Nursery Bed or Buying Propagated Seedlings?
You can either prepare a nursery bed or buy already propagated seedlings. Personally, I prefer buying propagated seedlings, as each costs Ksh 4-5 and an acre requires about 10,000 to 12,000 seedlings. This may seem expensive at first, but in the long run, it saves time, reduces losses, and guarantees uniform germination, leading to better yields.
Nursery Bed Preparation (If You Choose to Propagate Your Own Seedlings)
Prepare a raised bed with well-drained soil mixed with compost.
Sow seeds in rows and cover lightly with soil.
Water regularly and provide shade using banana leaves or a net.
Seedlings take 7-8 weeks in the nursery before they are ready for transplanting.
Land Preparation and Irrigation
Land preparation depends on the irrigation method you plan to use:
1. Furrow Irrigation – Plough the land and make furrows, ensuring they are well-spaced for water flow. Apply manure at this stage.
2. Drip Irrigation – Plough the land, make raised beds, and install drip lines before transplanting.
Capsicum requires adequate water but should not be overwatered, as excessive moisture can cause fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and damping-off.
Transplanting Green Capsicum
Transplant when the soil is moist (preferably in the evening or on a cloudy day).
Spacing: If using a tractor to make furrows, plant on both sides of the furrow with a spacing of 30-40 cm between plants.
Water before transplanting to ease the process and reduce transplant shock.
Fertilizer Application
Proper fertilization improves plant health and yield. The recommended schedule includes:
1. At Transplanting – Apply DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) to encourage root establishment.
2. Vegetative Stage – Use CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) or NPK 17:17:17 to promote leafy growth.
3. Flowering & Fruiting – Apply potassium-rich fertilizers like Yara winner to boost fruit development and quality.
4. Organic Fertilizers – Farmyard manure, compost, and foliar feeds can be used to improve soil fertility.
Pests and Disease Control
Capsicum is affected by various pests and diseases, which can reduce yield if not controlled.
Common Pests and Their Control
Aphids – Spray Imidacloprid eg(Confidor) or Neem oil eg( Nibecidine)
Whiteflies – Use yellow sticky traps or Thiamethoxam eg(Actara).
Thrips – Spray Spinosad eg (Tracer) or Abamectin .
Common Diseases and Their Control
Powdery Mildew – Apply Sulfur-based fungicides (Thiovit) or mancozeb and metalaxy eg ridomil.
Bacterial Wilt – Use copper-based fungicides (Copper Oxychloride) and practice crop rotation.
Blossom End Rot – Caused by calcium deficiency; apply Calcium Nitrate (CaNO₃).
Harvesting and Yield
Green capsicum matures within 75-90 days after transplanting.
My Harvesting Experience
Since I focus a lot on bulb onions, I rotate my crops by planting capsicum in between seasons. When I grow Super Bell and Maxibell, I usually harvest:
First harvest – Around 500 kg per acre.
Second harvest and beyond – Over 1,000 kg per acre.
Capsicum continues producing for several months, ensuring continuous income.
Market and Profitability
Capsicum Market Prices
The farm-gate price of green capsicum ranges from Ksh 20 to 80 per kg, depending on supply and demand.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
December – Worst time to have hoho. Everyone plants during the October rains, leading to overproduction, and prices drop to as low as Ksh 20 per kg.
January 20th Onwards – Best time to sell. Most farmers lack irrigation water, leading to crop failure and price spikes.
With proper planning, farmers can maximize profits by timing their planting cycles strategically.
Leave a comment and a like if you have read upto this point. Thank you.
~village investor.
Climatic and Soil Requirements
Green capsicum thrives in warm areas and can be grown successfully in both open fields and greenhouses. However, it is mostly grown outdoors because of its resistance to environmental conditions and diseases. It adapts well to a wide range of soils, but for the best results, farmers should ensure the soil is well-drained, rich in organic matter, and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Popular Green Capsicum Varieties in Kenya
1. Super Bell (Continental Seeds) – The most popular variety. Produces dark green, hard fruits that have a long shelf life.
2. Maxibell (Royal Seeds) – Well-known for its blocky shape and ability to grow well in many regions.
3. California Wonder – A tall variety with cheaper seed prices, making it affordable for many farmers.
Nursery Bed or Buying Propagated Seedlings?
You can either prepare a nursery bed or buy already propagated seedlings. Personally, I prefer buying propagated seedlings, as each costs Ksh 4-5 and an acre requires about 10,000 to 12,000 seedlings. This may seem expensive at first, but in the long run, it saves time, reduces losses, and guarantees uniform germination, leading to better yields.
Nursery Bed Preparation (If You Choose to Propagate Your Own Seedlings)
Prepare a raised bed with well-drained soil mixed with compost.
Sow seeds in rows and cover lightly with soil.
Water regularly and provide shade using banana leaves or a net.
Seedlings take 7-8 weeks in the nursery before they are ready for transplanting.
Land Preparation and Irrigation
Land preparation depends on the irrigation method you plan to use:
1. Furrow Irrigation – Plough the land and make furrows, ensuring they are well-spaced for water flow. Apply manure at this stage.
2. Drip Irrigation – Plough the land, make raised beds, and install drip lines before transplanting.
Capsicum requires adequate water but should not be overwatered, as excessive moisture can cause fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and damping-off.
Transplanting Green Capsicum
Transplant when the soil is moist (preferably in the evening or on a cloudy day).
Spacing: If using a tractor to make furrows, plant on both sides of the furrow with a spacing of 30-40 cm between plants.
Water before transplanting to ease the process and reduce transplant shock.
Fertilizer Application
Proper fertilization improves plant health and yield. The recommended schedule includes:
1. At Transplanting – Apply DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) to encourage root establishment.
2. Vegetative Stage – Use CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) or NPK 17:17:17 to promote leafy growth.
3. Flowering & Fruiting – Apply potassium-rich fertilizers like Yara winner to boost fruit development and quality.
4. Organic Fertilizers – Farmyard manure, compost, and foliar feeds can be used to improve soil fertility.
Pests and Disease Control
Capsicum is affected by various pests and diseases, which can reduce yield if not controlled.
Common Pests and Their Control
Aphids – Spray Imidacloprid eg(Confidor) or Neem oil eg( Nibecidine)
Whiteflies – Use yellow sticky traps or Thiamethoxam eg(Actara).
Thrips – Spray Spinosad eg (Tracer) or Abamectin .
Common Diseases and Their Control
Powdery Mildew – Apply Sulfur-based fungicides (Thiovit) or mancozeb and metalaxy eg ridomil.
Bacterial Wilt – Use copper-based fungicides (Copper Oxychloride) and practice crop rotation.
Blossom End Rot – Caused by calcium deficiency; apply Calcium Nitrate (CaNO₃).
Harvesting and Yield
Green capsicum matures within 75-90 days after transplanting.
My Harvesting Experience
Since I focus a lot on bulb onions, I rotate my crops by planting capsicum in between seasons. When I grow Super Bell and Maxibell, I usually harvest:
First harvest – Around 500 kg per acre.
Second harvest and beyond – Over 1,000 kg per acre.
Capsicum continues producing for several months, ensuring continuous income.
Market and Profitability
Capsicum Market Prices
The farm-gate price of green capsicum ranges from Ksh 20 to 80 per kg, depending on supply and demand.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
December – Worst time to have hoho. Everyone plants during the October rains, leading to overproduction, and prices drop to as low as Ksh 20 per kg.
January 20th Onwards – Best time to sell. Most farmers lack irrigation water, leading to crop failure and price spikes.
With proper planning, farmers can maximize profits by timing their planting cycles strategically.
Leave a comment and a like if you have read upto this point. Thank you.
~village investor.