Growing Chilli peppers, also Hot peppers

Capsicum sp. : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T T            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 50 cm apart
  • Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Wear gloves to pick 'hot' chillies.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best grown in a separate bed as chillies need plenty of light and air circulation.

Your comments and tips

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20 Feb 16, Dan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The flowers generally mean chillies come out of them.
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17 Feb 16, Rocki (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing a Carolina Reaper that is approx one meter high. It is in a 30 litre pot in full sun. There are lots of flowers but no fruit. Is it a case of waiting, or am I doing something wrong. The Cayenne that is growing next to it is going nuts with heaps of chillies.
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05 Nov 17, Tanya (Australia - temperate climate)
We have a chocolate habanero, jellybean habanero and Devils Brew. We did have a Madame Jeanette but lost that during the first hot winds here. They each get fruit at different times. Be patient, you should get chillies soon.
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16 Feb 16, Mira (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanku all-very helpful comments. It looks like the diagram: tiny chillies. What if I plant it into the ground with a shade-cloth roof to protect from frost?
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15 Feb 16, Sandra Roberts (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Parramatta area and wonder what zone I'm in !! Just seen comment from someone who has Gippsland as temperate ?? Love this site.
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04 Feb 16, Mira (Australia - temperate climate)
I recently purchased a chilly tree, currently about 40cms tall, will it grow if planted into the ground? We live in Central Gippsland. How tall will it grow?
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06 Feb 16, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
Compare it to its relative, tomato bush. Depends on the type of chilli. You will have lots of fruit probably and my wife reports they seem to even get hotter when left in the freezer.
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06 Feb 16, Nate. (Australia - temperate climate)
It will grow in the ground but most likely die in frost. You can plant in the ground then pot up in around the end of April. Keep it out of frost. Then in mid August to September you can plant in your garden again after the last expected frost. If you have a north facing window with good sunlight you can leave it in the pot for now then bring it inside for winter next to the window. I would now save the ground planting until next spring. The height depends on species/variety. Almost all chillies will grow bigger in the ground though.
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02 Feb 16, Johan Fullard (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does chilli plants grow better in Summer or winter and is it ok to plant in both seasons? thanx..
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28 Jan 16, Tienie Muller (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I'm staying Jozini KZN have 3hec wanna start with hot chillies need advice and info any no I can call for that pls
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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