OUR PROCESS

We don’t grow red capsicums the quick or easy way.

Every season throws us something new — too cold and we’re warming the plants, too hot and we’re cooling them down. While others take shortcuts, we stick to what’s worked for over a century in Bowen: raising by hand, watching every plant, and picking when they’re ready. It’s slower, but it means our capsicums look better on shelf and taste fresher.
1
DAY ONE
Seeding by hand
We start from scratch — planting our own capsicum seeds in trays, one by one. Most folks skip this step and buy seedlings, but we like doing it ourselves. It gives us full control and a stronger crop from the get-go.
2
4-5 WEEKS
Raised in nursery
The little ones grow in warm trays until they’re strong enough to face the outside world. We keep a close eye on ’em — they need just the right mix of light, warmth, and water to take off properly.
3
WEEK 5-6
Planting day
Once they’re good and ready, we plant them out in the paddock. It’s a big moment — they go from trays to rows under the Queensland sun, with plenty of space to grow tall and strong.
4
10-12 WEEKS
Growing & caring
This is where the real care kicks in. We weed, water, watch for pests, and make sure the soil stays healthy. Queensland’s heat helps, but so does experience — after 100+ years, you learn to read the signs.
5
AROUND 90-100 DAYS FROM SEED
Picking the best
When they turn that deep, glossy red — not too early, not too late — we know it’s time to pick our Warlocks. It’s all done by hand, row by row. Find out what makes our capsicums the best here.
6
SAME DAY AS PICKING
Packing with care
We don’t muck around. Wheeler’s Warlocks are packed fresh on the same day they’re picked, making sure they’re clean, firm, and ready for the journey ahead.
7
1-2 DAYS DEPENDING ON LOCATION
On the road
 Once packed, they’re off — heading down the coast in cold trucks to stay crisp and fresh.
8
NEXT MORNING AFTER ARRIVAL
In the markets
 You’ll find our capsicums at the wholesale markets in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — where our trusted suppliers get them into the hands of local grocers, green grocers, and fresh food stores. Interested in getting your hands on our caps, find a supplier near you here.
9
AROUND 3 MONTHS AFTER PLANTING THE SEED
On the shelf
There they are — sitting proud on the shelf, ready to be chopped, roasted, stuffed or snacked on. It’s a long process, but it’s worth it. That’s the Wheeler way.

Grown from the seed.

We’d like to pay our respects to the Juru people of the Birri-Gubba Nation, the Traditional Custodians of this land we farm on up here in Bowen. Long before we planted a single capsicum seed, the Juru people walked this country, cared for it, and relied on the Don River just like we do today. We’re grateful to grow capsicums on land with such deep roots, and we honour the Elders past and present who’ve looked after it for generations.

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