Complete Guide to Profitable Capsicum (Bell Pepper) Farming in Kenya

Colored capsicum, also known as sweet pepper or bell pepper, is one of the most valuable and widely cultivated greenhouse vegetables in Kenya. It’s a highly profitable crop, especially popular in peri-urban production systems due to its steady market demand and high returns.

Ripe capsicum fruits

Capsicum is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and minerals, making it a favorite in both local and export markets. Depending on color, quality, and season, prices range between Ksh 50 and 80 per kilogram.

While open-field cultivation yields between 20 and 40 tonnes per hectare, modern greenhouse farming can produce up to 100–120 tonnes per hectare, making it a top choice for agripreneurs seeking consistent income.

🌦️ Suitable Climate for Capsicum Farming

Capsicum thrives in moderate climates with daytime temperatures below 30°C. However, the introduction of heat-tolerant hybrid varieties has made it possible to grow capsicum in warmer regions too.

• Ideal day temperature: Below 30°C

• Best night temperature: Cool nights encourage flowering and fruit set

• Best planting period: September–October, allowing flowering and fruiting between November and February

• Shading: Essential during hot months to control excessive heat inside the greenhouse

🌱 Selecting the Right Planting Material

Choosing quality seedlings is key to high yield and disease resistance.

Characteristics of good planting material:

• Healthy and pest-free seedlings

• 35–40 days old

• Height between 16 and 20 cm

• Strong root system

• 4–6 well-developed leaves

When selecting a variety, consider fruit shape, color, quality, yield, and vigor.

Common Capsicum Varieties Grown in Kenya

Variety	Colour
Bomby	Red
Orobelle	Yellow
Indra	Green

🌾 Soil Preparation and Bed Formation

Inside the greenhouse, the soil should be loosened to a fine tilth. Beds are then formed 75 cm wide and 45 cm high, with 45 cm spacing between two beds for easy movement.

Before bed formation, enrich the soil with:

• Well-decomposed manure or vermicompost

• Sand or sawdust (to improve aeration)

• Apply 10 kg of organic matter per m²

Soil Sterilization

• Drench the beds with 4% formaldehyde solution (4 liters/m²).

• Cover with a polythene sheet for 3–5 days

• After removing the sheet, rake daily for several days to remove any residual fumes

🌿 Planting, Pruning, and Training

Planting

• Space plants 60 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants

• Spray seedlings with Imidacloprid (0.3 ml/L) before transplanting to prevent pest infestation

• Keep the beds moist during planting

• Plant in two rows per bed using a zigzag pattern

Using plastic mulch is recommended to:

• Conserve moisture

• Suppress weeds

• Regulate soil temperature

Infected capsicum fruits

Irrigation

• Water daily with a rose can until seedlings establish

• After establishment, use drip irrigation: 2–3 litres per m² per day (depending on weather)

Pruning and Training

• Begin pruning 15–20 days after transplanting

• Retain 2–4 main stems per plant

• At each node, remove the weaker branch and keep the stronger one

• Prune weekly during the early stages, then once every 10 days after the 4th month

💧 Fertigation and Nutrient Management

For optimal growth, supply nutrients through fertigation over the 6–8 month crop cycle.

Recommended fertilizer application:

• 150 kg each of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O per hectare

• Use water-soluble fertilizers containing 19% each of NPK

• Apply at 2.5–4 g/m², twice a week, starting from the third week after transplanting

🐛 Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Thrips and mites are major greenhouse pests that suck plant sap and reduce yield.

• Control: Regular monitoring, biological control agents, and safe insecticides when necessary.

Healthy capsicum fruits

Pollination:

Though capsicum is largely self-pollinating, honeybees and other insects significantly improve pollination and fruit quality. Introducing beehives or bumblebees into the greenhouse increases yield and seed count per fruit.

🍈 Fruit Thinning

When too many fruits develop, perform fruit thinning (remove excess fruits at pea size) to ensure:

• Larger, uniform fruits

• Better quality and higher market value

🧺 Harvesting and Yield

• Green capsicum: Harvest after 60 days

• Yellow/red capsicum: Harvest after 80–90 days

• Continue harvesting every 10 days for up to 250 days, depending on the variety

Maturity Stages:

• Breaker stage: 10% surface colour (ideal for long-distance markets)

• Coloured stage: 90%+ colour (best for local markets)

Expected Yield:

• 80–100 tonnes per hectare (8–10 kg/m²)

• Average fruit weight: 150–200 grams

🏡 Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

To maintain quality and extend shelf life:

1. Grade fruits by size and colour

2. Shrink-wrap each fruit

3. Store at 7–8°C for 45–60 days

4. Package in 10–12 kg cartons or reused apple boxes for local markets

Proper handling reduces damage and maintains a premium market price.

💰 Bottom Line

Capsicum farming offers high profitability and a steady year-round market. With proper management, greenhouse growers can achieve impressive yields and income. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, capsicum cultivation is a rewarding agribusiness opportunity in Kenya’s growing horticultural sector.