Capsicum Farming In Kenya: Everything You Need To Know

Do you know why Capsicum farming is a lucrative business in Kenya? Well, there are several reasons.

Capsicum is a herbaceous plant falling under the Solanaceae family. Some of its members are used for food and medicinal purposes.

Therefore, this farming is a lucrative agricultural activity in Kenya.

The crop is grown for its fruits which are used for making various dishes and sauces.

The fruits are also used for making jams, jellies, and chutneys. There are many benefits that come with Capsicum farming, right?

Steps Involved In Capsicum Farming In Kenya

To be successful in your Capsicum farming in Kenya, you will need to understand the steps involved and factors to consider when growing this delicious vegetable.

Here are the steps and factors that you need to consider:

1. Select your farm.

A farm is an important component in Capsicum farming in Kenya.

When selecting a piece of land for your Capsicum farming in Kenya, ensures that you take into account the following aspects:

Proximity to adequate water.
Good fertile soils that are rich in organic matter with enough drainage.
Access to sunshine.

2. Till the land.

You must adequately prepare the land before you start planting. This involves ensuring that:

You loosen the soil.
Add organic matter to the soil.
The soil is well drained.

3. Start planting.

Before you start planting, make sure that you have chosen the right variety for climate and soil conditions.

Once you have chosen the right variety. You can start planting. But when planting, ensure that:

The seeds are planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches.
The seeds are spaced at least 6 inches apart.

4. Irrigate the plants.

Capsicum needs water after planting.
But you should ensure that they are not watered excessively to avoid root rot.

5. Fertilize the plants.

Ensure that you fertilize them every two weeks.

6. Control pests.

Look out for signs of pests and take appropriate action if any are found.

7. Finally, harvest.

Harvest your Capsicum when they reach maturity.
When harvesting, handle them with utmost care to avoid damage.

Read also: How to do poultry farming in Kenya

Capsicum Varieties In Kenya: Which One Should I Plant?

When it comes to capsicum farming in Kenya, there are a few things you need to take into account.

The first is the type of capsicum you are going to plant.

There are different varieties of capsicum, each with its own unique flavor and color.

Below is a list of the most popular capsicum varieties grown in Kenya, along with a little information about each one of them.

Green Bell F1

Green Bell F1 does better in well-draining soils.
The soils should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
Capsicum should be watered most of the time but in moderation.
It’s a hybrid.

Duration to mature

This capsicum variety reaches maturity roughly between 70 to 80 days.

Yield

You are likely to harvest between 10 to 15 fruits from one plant. When ripe, they are usually firm and bright green in color.

Admiral F1

Admiral F1 is hardy and has high yields.
It’s a hybrid.
It should be grown in soils rich in organic matter.
This variety flourishes in well-draining soils.
It requires watering most of the time.

Period to mature

It’s usually ready between 65 to 75 after planting.

Yield

You can expect to harvest roughly 20 fruits. You can decide to harvest them while they are still green, or wait for them to become red.

Buffalo F1

Buffalo F1 is resistant to most common diseases.
It produces high yields.
This variety requires moderate watering.
It’s a drought-tolerant variety.
It favors well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0. to 6.5.
It’s a hybrid.

Duration to mature

It is usually ready for harvesting between 70 to 80 days.

Yields

You can harvest up to 20 fruits from a single plant.

Maxibel

Maxibel is resistant to many common diseases.
It requires moderate watering.
Maxibel is an early maturity variety.
It produces high yields.

Duration to mature

It reaches maturity typically in 2 months.

Yield

In some instances, a farmer can harvest up to 30 fruits from one plant.

Pasarella F1

Pasarella F1 is drought resistant.
It doesn’t need an excessive amount of water.
Soils should be well drained with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
It does well in sunny areas with temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s resistant to most common diseases.
It’s an early maturity variety.

Duration to mature

It reaches maturity in roughly 65 days from the planting day.

Yield

Mostly it produces up to 10 fruits from one plant.

Ilanga Wonder

Ilanga Wonder is disease resistant.
It requires reasonable hours of sunlight.
Excessive amounts of water are not needed – Exessive water leads to root rot.

Duration to mature

It takes about 90 days to mature from the planting day.

Yield

This variety can produce up to 20 fruits from one plant.

Golden Sun F1

Golden Sun F1 is resistant to diseases.
It favors soil with good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5.
It produces high yields.
This variety doesn’t require a lot of water.

Duration to mature

It reaches maturity between 70 to 80 days from the day of planting.

Yield

You can harvest up to 30 fruits from a single plant.

Kori F1

Kori F1 is a hybrid.
It is resistant to diseases.
It produces high yieldsKori F1 requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
It needs a lot of water; but not excessive watering.

Duration to mature

It matures between 70 to 80 days.

Yield

You can anticipate harvesting up to 10 to 15 fruits from one plant.

Minerva F1

Minerva F1 is resistant to diseases.
It needs a lot of water especially during the hot season to flourish.
It requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
This type needs to be fertilized every fortnight.

Duration to mature

It is likely to mature in 70 days.

Yield

One plant is likely to produce up to 15 peppers.

The Best Capsicum Variety You Can Grow In Kenya

Bell pepper, Jalapeno pepper, and Habanero pepper are the best Capsicum Varieties you give a try if you don’t grow them.

These 3 varieties stand out as the best for several reasons. Find out why they are deemed to be the best varieties.

The Bell Pepper

Bell pepper is one of the best varieties of Capsicum, hence It is often referred to as sweet Bell pepper.

Why you need to start growing it:

Crunchy texture: This variety has an amazing crunchy texture. The crunchy texture makes it a versatile ingredient in most dishes.
Sweet flavor: It has a unique flavor that is perfect for your salads, sandwiches, and many other dishes.

Why Capsicum Is a Unique Plant To Kenyans

Capsicum is a vegetable that is enjoyed by many people for its unique flavor and nutritional value.

There are many benefits to farming capsicum in Kenya.

Capsicum is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Capsicum is also a low-calorie vegetable, making it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight.

Capsicum is easy to grow and does well in a variety of climates.

It can be grown in both sunny and shady areas, making it a versatile crop for small-scale farmers.

Capsicum is a popular vegetable in many countries, and there is a growing demand for it in the global market.

This makes capsicum a good crop for farmers to export.

Capsicum is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used in soups, stews, curries, and salads.

Capsicum is a profitable crop for farmers. It has a high yield and sells for a good price in the market.

Capsicum Farming In Kenya: Major Diseases & Pests

This is a bacterial disease that affects the plant’s vascular system, causing them to wilt and die.

The disease is spread through contaminated water or soil and can be controlled through the use of resistant varieties and crop rotation.

Fungal leaf spot

fungal leaf spot - capsicum farming in kenya — Fungal leaf spots

A fungal leaf spot is caused by a fungus. that can spread quickly and cause significant damage to the plants.

Signs

Small round spots on leaves that are yellow or brown in color.
These spots increase in size with the passage of time.
The leaves may die later on.

Treatment

Get rid of affected plants to curb the spread of the disease.
Spread a fungicide on the affected plants.

2. Flea beetles

The flea beetle just as the name suggests is caused by flea beetles. It stunts growth and lowers yields.

Signs

Small round holes on the leaves.
Foliage yellows and wilts.

Treatment

Use row covers to hand-pick the beetles.
Spread an insecticide on the affected plants.

3. Aphids

Aphids - capsicum farming in kenya — Aphids feeding on a green leaf

The aphids are caused by small insects that feed on the sap of plants. They damage the leaves and stems of the plant.

Signs

Yellowing and wilting of leaves.
Stunted growth.
The plant produces a sweet sticky substance called sticky honeydew.

Treatment

Start by getting rid of affected leaves and stems from the plant.
Spread an insecticide to get rid of the aphids.

Capsicum Market

This farming is a viable option in Kenya, as there is a local and international market for the crop.

As you may be aware, Capsicum is a member of the nightshade family and is related to the tomato.

It is a fruit that is typically red, green, or yellow in color and is eaten either cooked or raw.

The most popular type of capsicum for farming in Kenya is the bell pepper, as it is the most widely consumed type of capsicum in the world.

The local market for capsicum in Kenya is relatively small, but there is a growing demand for the crop.

The majority of the demand for capsicum in Kenya comes from the international market, as the crop is exported to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

The international market for capsicum is relatively stable, and the demand for the crop is growing.

Therefore, t is a viable option for farming in Kenya as there is a demand for the crop both locally and internationally.

Is Capsicum Farming Profitable In Kenya?

Capsicum is highly profitable for a number of reasons. It is in high demand in Kenya because of its health benefits. This demand is on an upward trajectory.

It seems that more and more people are getting to know the nutritional benefits of this vegetable.

This vegetable doesn’t require intensive investment. You can invest little money but get a huge return on your investment. This makes capsicum farming in Kenya profitable.

Capsicum Price Per Kg In Kenya

This crop in Kenya is grown by small-scale farmers who sell to local markets.

The price of capsicum per kg in Kenya varies depending on the season.

In the high season, the price per kg ranges from KES 65 to KES 120, while in the low season, it ranges from KES 35 to KES 60.

Final Thoughts On Capsicum Farming In Kenya

Capsicum farming is a lucrative business in Kenya. This crop is grown for both commercial and domestic consumption.

The demand for capsicum is high, and the crop is fetching a good price in the market.

However, to be successful in capsicum farming, one needs to invest in good farming practices and use the right farming methods.

Capsicum Farming In Kenya: Everything You Need To Know

Steps Involved In Capsicum Farming In Kenya