Capsicum transplanting and aftercare

The seedlings should ideally be prepared for the conditions that they will experience in the land after transplantation

- writes Bill Kerr.

If capsicum seedlings are well looked after in a season of little climatic stress, hardening in the nursery may not be necessary, and there will be no check in growth rate.

However, when transplanting in hot and/or windy conditions, the plants should be hardened in the nursery first to reduce transplant shock. Hardening should not happen in the land, which will result in an uneven stand and slow initial growth.

Regardless of whether the seedlings are hardened or not, they should get a handful of LAN in a watering can to promote good early growth. This also stimulates root development and uniformity of the stand, as there is uniformity in the nutrition they receive.