Capsicums Farming
Capsicums grow well in containers of at least 25 cm depth of soil. Capsicums are slow to develop fruit and can take up to 3 months depending on the variety chosen and your climate. All capsicums are green to start with before developing their full colour eg red, yellow, orange or purple. They can be picked early when green but the longer you wait the sweeter they will be.
I have followed your advice on several crops in the forum, I currently have diversified into capsicum farming targeting high yields as well as bigger fruits with a high shelf life, kindly advise on the fertilizer to use
In Capsicum production, the yields are dependent on several factors mainly the variety and the Nutrition program used. To attain high yields, a farmer has to not only look at ensuring the fruits are of bigger size but ensure the harvesting period is prolonged.
This longer production period of uniform high-quality fruits (Right shape, size, color and shelf life) is essential for profitable Capsicums Farming.
The type of fertilizer applied and the stage (time) of application is key in ensuring that the nutrients are available ‘just in time’ for plant uptake.
Capsicums will generally do well at a PH range of 5.5-6.8 hence important to ameliorate your soils accordingly or at least avoid the commonly highly acidifying fertilizer products for sustainable use of our soils.. Like all other crops, a balanced Nutrient Supply is needed for optimum productivity and profitability.
Alongside proper Nutrition, all other Agronomic practices have to be adhered to, including timely weeding, pest and disease management. Capsicums are particularly susceptible to pests such as Thrips among others, and diseases like Powdery Mildews, that have to be properly managed, to ensure a longer productive period.
Fertilization regime
At crop establishment stage, it is essential to ensure early vigorous growth to build enough food reserves for the reproductive phase. Establish the crop with a balanced NPK fertilizer, supplying the Phosphorous and Initial Nitrogen and Potassium requirement for early crop development.
This should be applied within 7 days after transplanting. Just like tomatoes, Soluble Calcium and Boron are important in preventing disorders such as Blossom End Rot, and give longer lasting fruits.
NITRABOR is therefore an important fertilizer to apply as a first Topdress, 3-4 weeks after transplanting. At the onset of flowering and fruiting stage, application of an NPK with a high K ( such as Winner ) as well as trace elements is critical for to ensure high productivity and quality of capsicums.
To ensure the harvesting period is prolonged, continued application of the YaraMila Winner fertilizer in splits after every four harvests (4 weeks) is essential in ensuring the crop continues to flower and produce more and good quality fruits, translating to better farmer profitability.
Vitalis Wafula
East Africa Regional Agronomist
Yara.
