How to Grow Capsicums in Kenya: A Complete Guide from Seed to Harvest

Capsicum farming in Kenya is a profitable venture, but many farmers struggle, especially during the germination stage. With the right guidance, however, you can grow capsicums from seed to harvest and make the most of this high-demand vegetable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from selecting the best capsicum seeds to planting, pest control, and harvesting.

The Capsicum Market in Kenya

Capsicums enjoy a steady demand in Kenya, particularly in the mass market and grocery stores. Brokers absorb around 70% of the total production, making it easier for farmers to sell in bulk and secure fast revenues.

Capsicum prices typically range from Ksh 30 to Ksh 80 per kilo, fluctuating based on supply and demand. Prices are highest during times of extreme shortage.

Best Time to Plant Capsicums in Kenya

For the highest profits, the ideal time to plant capsicums in Kenya is February or September. This allows you to harvest during the Easter and Christmas festive seasons when demand is highest.

Planting in these months ensures your crops are ready for harvest when prices peak.

To maintain a steady income, ensure a continuous supply by staggering your planting and harvesting times. Buyers prefer farmers who can provide consistent deliveries, regardless of the season.

Best Soil for Capsicum Farming

Before investing in capsicum farming, ensure your soil is suitable. Capsicums thrive in deep, fertile, well-drained loam soils.

Avoid planting in fields previously used for potato or tomato farming, as these crops share pests and diseases that could damage your capsicum crop.

Best Capsicum Varieties to Grow in Kenya

For better yields, choose high-yield hybrid capsicum varieties. These are more resistant to diseases and pests. Here are two of the best varieties for Kenyan farmers:

1. Maxibell 

Maxibell is a popular open-pollinated sweet pepper variety known for its heavy fruiting. The fruits weigh around 200 grams, and each plant can yield 4-5 kgs. Maxibell matures in about 90 days and has a high tolerance to Tomato Mosaic Virus. 

– Planting Density: 900 Plants per 240 sqm or 20,000 plants per acre.

2. Superbell F1 

Superbell F1 is a hybrid variety with blocky lobes and thick, fleshy fruits. It has a mild flavor and high resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Potato Virus Y (PVY). Harvesting starts 65-75 days after transplanting. 

– Planting Density: Up to 25 tons per acre.

How to Raise Capsicum Seedlings

Seedling establishment is where most farmers fail. Capsicum seeds take 4-5 weeks to establish. However, this can be accelerated by soaking seeds in an optimizer or Citi-shooter solution before planting.

Sow seeds shallowly and cover them with black paper to shorten the germination period by up to two weeks.

Capsicum Planting and Spacing

For best results, space capsicum plants 45cm by 45cm. This allows for 20,000 plants per acre. Use well-decomposed farmyard manure and irrigate thoroughly before transplanting.

After transplanting, drench the plants with insecticides like Citi Shooter and Thunder to protect against cutworms and other pests.

 Capsicum Fertilizer Application Schedule:

-14 days after transplanting: Apply DAP to promote root and foliar growth.

-40 days after transplanting: Apply NPK 17:17:17 to stimulate flowering.

-60 days after transplanting: Apply CAN to enhance fruit enlargement.

Additionally, use high-nitrogen, potassium, and calcium foliar fertilizers like Easygro Vegetative, Advance K, and Calmax to boost plant health and fruit production further.

Capsicum Pests and Control Methods

Red Spider Mites 

These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and upward curling. To control them, apply Profile (10ml/20L) or Escort (8ml/20L).

Whiteflies 

Whiteflies sap nutrients from capsicum plants, hindering photosynthesis. Infested leaves show white, waxy material. To control, apply Thunder or Profile (10ml/20L).

Cutworms 

These pests cut seedlings near the soil level. Drench the soil with Profile® 440EC (3ml/L) or PENTAGON® 50EC (1ml/L) to control cutworms.

Root-Knot Nematodes 

Nematodes cause root swelling, leading to reduced vigour and plant death. Drench the soil with Alonze 50EC (0.5ml/L) or Marshall (10ml/20L).

Capsicum Diseases and Control

Blight 

It is caused by the fungus Phytophthora capsica, leads to rapid foliar, fruit, and root rot. Apply Redomil Gold (50g/20L) or Mistress 72WP (30g/20L) to prevent the spread.

Downy Mildew 

This disease causes yellow spots on the upper leaf surfaces and browning, leading to leaf drop and sunburn. To prevent downy mildew, apply Redomil Gold (50g/20L).

Fusarium Wilt 

Caused by Fusarium oxysporum, this soil-borne fungus leads to vein clearing, yellowing, and wilting. Control fusarium wilt by drenching the soil with Absolute (10ml/20L).

Bacterial Wilt 

This bacterial disease causes wilting of young leaves and discolouration of vascular tissues. Control it by spraying Green Cop 500WP (2.5g/L), a copper-based product.

Conclusion

Capsicum farming in Kenya can be highly profitable if you follow the right steps from seed selection to pest control and harvesting.

With proper soil preparation, disease management, and continuous harvesting, you can maximize yields and profits throughout the year.

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