How to grow Chilli
Overview
Chilli (Capsicum frutescens) is a warm-season vegetable grown for its pungent fruits, used fresh or dried. It requires full sun, consistent warmth, and a long growing season to achieve heavy summer production. Protect from any frost and push growth early with ample feeding for best yields.
Varieties
- Jalapeno — Medium heat, thick walls, great for pickling and stuffing.
- Habanero — Very hot, fruity flavour, ideal for sauces and salsas.
- Thai Bird's Eye — Small, fiery chillies perfect for Asian cooking.
- Cayenne — Long, thin, hot; excellent for drying and powdering.
- Serrano — Hotter than jalapeno, crisp flesh, good fresh or in cooking.
Soil Preparation
Chilli prefers well-drained, fertile loam with pH 5.5–7.0. Before planting, dig in 2–3cm of compost or aged manure. Improve heavy clay with gypsum and organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Growing Guide
Sow seeds 6mm deep in trays 8–10 weeks before last frost. Transplant 40–50cm apart in full sun, into warm, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Stake or cage plants to support heavy crops. Water consistently, allowing soil to dry slightly between drinks, and mulch to retain moisture. Pinch out the growing tip at 30cm to encourage bushy growth.
Sowing
Sow seeds 6mm deep in seed-raising mix, spacing seeds 2–3cm apart. Germination takes 7–14 days at 20–30°C. In cool zones, start indoors on a heat mat; transplant after all frost risk passes. Direct sow only in warm soil (above 15°C).
Care
Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g., seaweed or fish emulsion) during flowering and fruiting. Prune out lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. Side-dress with compost or well-rotted manure mid-season to boost nutrients.
Companion Planting
Grow chilli near basil, parsley, carrots, and onions to repel pests and improve flavour. Avoid planting with fennel or kohlrabi, which can stunt growth. Marigolds are excellent companions for deterring nematodes and aphids.
Common Pests & Risks
Watch for aphids, whitefly, and spider mites; control with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Blossom end rot indicates calcium deficiency or erratic watering. Caterpillars (e.g., tomato fruitworm) can be handpicked or treated with Bt spray.
Harvesting
Harvest green chillies for a milder flavour or wait until they turn fully red for maximum heat. Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut fruits, leaving a short stalk attached. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout summer.
In the Kitchen
Use fresh in salads, stir-fries, or salsas. Dry excess by threading on string or using a dehydrator; store in airtight jars. Freeze whole or chopped for later use. Wear gloves when handling hot varieties.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or nitrogen deficiency – let soil dry and apply liquid feed. Blossom drop: temperature below 15°C or above 35°C – provide shade cloth or cold frame. Blossom end rot: irregular watering/calcium – mulch and maintain even moisture, add lime. Aphids: spray with dilute neem oil or strong water jet. Whitefly: use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap.