Greenhouse Capsicum Farming

 Greenhouse Capsicum farming may bring in a lot of cash for farmers. There are various ways to start in this highly successful sector. In Kenya, capsicum production is a significant industry that employs many people. Additionally, it is a large African export market. The most common spice in most Kenyan recipes is capsicum, commonly called pili pili hoho in that country. Some people may refer to it as bell pepper, sweet pepper, or pepper. Because it is a horticulture crop, it may also be grown in a controlled environment. That is a greenhouse for enhanced output and off-season production. Up to 8.4 tonnes of capsicum may be produced per season in an 8 m by 30 m greenhouse.

How to grow Capsicum in a greenhouse

A greenhouse is the most common option since producers get higher yields from crops grown in a controlled environment. If you don’t have the funds to create a greenhouse, you can also farm in the open land. They demand a warm, wet environment. Temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees are excellent for development. Maintaining a PH level of 6 will ensure that it has the ideal conditions to thrive in Kenya, therefore it is critical.

For growing capsicum in a greenhouse, take into account the following:

1. Create a nursery for seedlings to start.
2. Create a seedbed that is 1 m wide and as long as the number of seeds you want to plant.
3. Thinly scatter the seeds, then lightly cover them with mulch and dirt.
4. After the seeds have sprouted, remove part of the plants to produce strong seedlings.
5. Cover the seed bed with a shade cloth to keep it from the direct sun.
6. Early in the morning or late at night, water them.
7. Reduce the pace of watering a week before transplanting to help the plants harden.
8. To make planting easier, create raised beds on your farm and water them.
9. Boost soil fertility by incorporating manure and DAP.
10. Transplant the seedlings to the farm after 6 to 7 weeks.
11. Capsicum plants should be planted 20 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart to ensure they have enough space to breathe and flourish.
12. Weed often to keep crops from competing for nutrients.
13. Water them regularly to prevent blooms from aborting and fading.
14. Two to three weeks after transplanting, apply CAN at a rate of 50 kg per acre.
15. After the crop begins to flower and fruit, apply NPK at a rate of 50 kg per acre.

What varieties of capsicum are cultivated in Kenya?

All capsicums are green by nature in their early stages of development, however, the color varies throughout time according to the type. As the capsicums mature physiologically in the field, they also get sweeter. Capsicum varieties grown in Kenya are distinguished by their ultimate color. Over time, capsicum fruits might become red, yellow, or green. Other capsicum colors worldwide include black, cream, brown, orange, and lime.
Green is the most common color of capsicum grown in Kenya. Some green capsicums produce secondary colors such as yellow, red, and orange. Admiral F1, Buffalo F1, Maxibel, California Wonder, Green Bell F1, Yolo Wonder, Pasarella F1, Ilanga Wonder, Golden Sun F1, Kori F1, and Minerva F1 are among the capsicum varieties grown in Kenya.