In Kenya, Capsicum is widely recognized as “pilipili hoho,” and its cultivation is quite straightforward thanks to the favorable climate we experience for most of the year. Capsicum farming proves to be a lucrative endeavor for both small-scale and large-scale farmers because “pilipili hoho” (also known as sweet pepper) is a commonly used spice in nearly every household.
Capsicum Market
Thanks to the widespread demand for pilipili hoho, there is a constant and eager market for this crop. You have various selling options, including local mama mboga kiosk owners, hotels, schools, and hospitals. Additionally, there are traders who purchase directly from the farm, although they typically offer lower prices.
Where to Grow Capsicum in Kenya
Capsicum is a flexible crop that thrives in a wide range of climates, including warm and hot regions. You have the option to cultivate this crop either in a greenhouse or in open fields. In Kenya, capsicum is predominantly cultivated in the central and eastern parts of the country, including areas like Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, and parts of the coastal region. It also flourishes in regions such as Kajiado, Narok, the entirety of Ukambani, and Baringo.
Benefits of Capsicum
Capsicum serves not only as a culinary enhancer, elevating the flavor of your dishes, but also as a highly nutritious vegetable with a multitude of advantages for your well-being. These benefits encompass:
- Abundant in essential vitamins A, B6, and C.
- Enriched with antioxidants, promoting overall health maintenance.
- Possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- Contains dietary fiber, aiding in efficient food digestion.
- Acts as a source of potassium, facilitating the regulation of blood pressure in your body.
Environmental Conditions for Successful Capsicum Farming
Climate:
As previously mentioned, capsicum thrives in warm regions with ideal temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C. This crop is sensitive to frost, so in areas where nighttime temperatures drop significantly, it’s advisable to cultivate them within greenhouse structures. Moreover, it requires an annual rainfall range of 800 to 1200mm, and during dry spells, supplemental irrigation is crucial. The key is to maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the entire growth cycle.
Soil:
Capsicum thrives in fertile, well-drained soils and exhibits a preference for slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. As we consistently recommend, soil testing is of utmost importance to identify specific nutrient requirements for optimal harvest yields.
Top Capsicum Varieties for Successful Cultivation in Kenya
In Kenya, a diverse range of capsicum varieties are cultivated, with some of the most recommended choices being California Wonder, Green Bell, and Admiral.
- California Wonder, a renowned red variety, boasts classic characteristics and offers high production yields. Its substantial fruits have thick walls and initially display a vibrant green hue, transitioning to a rich red when fully ripe.
- Green Bell, on the other hand, is a green capsicum variety cherished for its sweet and succulent flavor, making it an ideal choice for salads and culinary applications. This variety produces sizable fruits and is notably prevalent in Kenyan markets.
- Admiral, an iconic yellow capsicum variety developed by Syngenta, is predominantly cultivated within greenhouses. While it can also thrive in outdoor settings, farmers have observed reduced yields when compared to greenhouse cultivation.
How to Grow Capsicum: Step-by-step guide
Select an optimal location: Capsicum plants require abundant sunlight, at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, so choose an area free from shade, trees, or tall buildings. It’s also wise to avoid planting in spots previously occupied by other Solanaceae family plants.
- Prepare the soil: Capsicum flourishes in fertile, well-drained soil. Enhance soil quality by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into the planting site. Additionally, heed the advice from your soil test results to create the ideal soil conditions. Construct raised beds on your farm to improve soil aeration and provide deeper rooting zones for the plants.
- Transplant seedlings: Obtain professionally cultivated seedlings from Richfarm Kenya Nurseries and transplant them into your prepared plot. Maintain a spacing of 60cm between rows and 45cm between individual plants, resulting in approximately 15,000 plants per acre.
- Maintain consistent watering: Capsicum plants require regular moisture to thrive. To assess soil moisture levels, press a handful of soil – if it sticks together, it’s adequately moist. Avoid overwatering, as capsicum plants are susceptible to root rot. Instead, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
- Apply fertilizers: Capsicum plants benefit from a well-balanced nutrient profile for robust growth and high yields. Incorporating manure during soil preparation provides a significant nutrient boost. You can complement this with a balanced slow-release or liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, with guidance from your soil test results.
- Provide support: Capsicum plants can grow tall and heavy with fruit, so it’s essential to offer support, such as stakes or cages, to prevent them from collapsing or breaking.
- Prune the tips: Encourage branching and increased fruit production by regularly pinching off the tips of your capsicum plants.
- Harvest at full maturity: Capsicum is ready for harvest when the fruit displays its full color and feels firm to the touch. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small stem piece attached.
Capsicum typically matures in 2-3 months from transplanting the seedlings. However, the exact timeline depends on your local climate and the specific variety you’re cultivating. Green varieties tend to mature faster than red and yellow ones.
Pests and Disease Control
Pests
Capsicum is susceptible to common pests like cutworms, red spider mites, and aphids. It’s crucial to conduct regular inspections to detect possible pest infestations. Many of these pests can be effectively managed with widely available pesticides such as Profile and Pentagon from Greenlife Crop Protection. For those pursuing organic methods, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Diseases
Capsicum is susceptible to common fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, damping off, and anthracnose. Thankfully, these ailments can be effectively managed with the application of fungicides. I recommend considering the use of Absolute and Greencop for this purpose. Additionally, to minimize the likelihood of disease occurrence, it’s advisable to implement annual crop rotation, steer clear of overhead irrigation, and maintain proper sanitation practices.
Capsicum Profitability and Farming in Kenya
Capsicum cultivation in Kenya can be highly profitable, potentially generating up to Ksh1.2 million in sales and nearly Ksh1 million in profit per acre.
The most substantial initial investment is typically the purchase of seedlings, which can amount to as much as Ksh120,000 for enough seedlings to cover one acre. Additional expenses encompass irrigation, fertilizers, pest and disease management, as well as labor, with costs varying depending on the location. On average, establishing and managing one acre of capsicum, from land preparation to harvest, incurs an expenditure of approximately Ksh250,000.
One acre of capsicum typically yields between 25 and 30 tons of fruit, which can be sold for between Ksh40 and Ksh60 per kilogram at the farm gate. Retailers such as Zucchini and Naivas Supermarkets often sell a kilogram for as much as Ksh200.