Greenhouse Capsicum Farming in Kenya

Step-by-step guide to growing capsicum (sweet pepper) in Kenya, with focus on greenhouse production for maximum yields and profitability.

Introduction

Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) is a high-value vegetable crop popular in greenhouse farming in Kenya. With proper management, capsicum can yield up to 8kg per plant in a greenhouse setup.

Recommended Varieties

Pillar F1 - High yielding hybrid, blocky fruits
Colonist F1 - Yellow/red fruits, excellent shelf life
Yolo Wonder - Open pollinated, good for open field
California Wonder - Popular, medium-large fruits

Nursery Management

Sow seeds in sterilized nursery mix
Germination: 7-10 days at 25-30°C
Transplant at 6-8 leaf stage (4-5 weeks)
Harden off seedlings 1 week before transplanting

Greenhouse Setup

Plant density: 2 plants/m² (single stem) or 1.5 plants/m² (double stem)
Staking: Essential - use strings from overhead wire
Pruning: Remove suckers, maintain 2 main stems per plant
Pollination: Shake plants or use bees for indoor pollination

Spacing (Greenhouse)

Row spacing: 100cm
Plant spacing: 40-50cm
Planting holes: Add 200g DAP per hole

Nutrient Management

Basal: DAP 200kg/ha
Fertigation: Weekly NPK application via drip
Calcium: Critical to prevent blossom end rot
Magnesium: For leaf greenness and photosynthesis

Water Management

Drip irrigation only in greenhouse
3-4 liters per plant per day at peak
Avoid water stress - causes blossom drop
Maintain 70-80% relative humidity

Pest & Disease Management

Pests:

Thrips - Major problem; transmit viruses Treatment: Spinosad, Abamectin, yellow sticky traps
Whitefly - Transmit viruses, sooty mold Treatment: Imidacloprid, yellow sticky traps
Aphids - Virus vectors Treatment: Pymetrozine, Thiamethoxam

Diseases:

Phytophthora Root Rot - Wilting, stem browning at base Prevention: Avoid overwatering, well-drained media
Botrytis (Grey Mold) - Common in high humidity Treatment: Iprodione, Fenhexamid. Improve ventilation
Powdery Mildew - White powder on leaves Treatment: Sulphur, Myclobutanil

Harvesting

First harvest: 70-80 days after transplanting
Harvest green (mature green) or colored (red/yellow)
Colored fruits command premium prices
Yield: 5-8kg/plant in greenhouse over 8-10 months

Profitability (Greenhouse, 1 acre)

Setup + production cost: KSh 500,000–800,000
Expected revenue: KSh 1,500,000–2,500,000
Net profit: KSh 700,000–1,700,000