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 S S S  
                  T T  

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings

August: sow in pots

  • 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

31 Mar 16, James L (Australia - temperate climate)
Temperate :)
31 Mar 16, James L (Australia - temperate climate)
Try feeding fortnightly with Yates Thrive flower and fruit soluble fertiliser. I have never had problems with lack of heat. Also make sure you keep your jalapenos away from any other member of the capsicum family ad they may cross breed and produce fruit that is not consistent with its original description.
12 Apr 16, Cassie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
'Cross breeding' can only affect plants of the next generation ie the offspring of your current jalapeƱos
16 Mar 16, Natalie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I recently bought chilly seeds from seeds from seeds of Africa in Cape Town, i am so impressed, my carolina ghost reaper is finally bearing flowers...cannot wait :)
15 Mar 16, Hishaam Salie (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Good day I've recently gotten my green fingers and have created a beautiful garden with my wife ,its smells of herbs in the day and jasmine in the evening with a colorful variety of trees and plants,sadly to say we've been trying for a while now to germinate a chili tree from its pips of the fruit.My question which would be the correct method to follow and how do we maintain its up keep and which method of planting is the correct method in a pot at first or directly into the soil
17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Growing peppers is easy. I like to sow seed in seed trays, but it really doesn't matter. Just ensure that if you plant them in situ (directly into the ground) that you offer them protection from nocturnal critters as well as birds. Cover seed to a depth of three times their size. Peppers, in particular, do not like to germinate in wet soil. Moist soil only. Peppers take approximately 7-8 days to germinate.
14 Mar 16, Hantie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I still plant chillies in March?
29 Mar 16, Sanet (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Hantie, yes, you can if you keep the seedlings inside the house or somewhere warm. Chillies don't like cold weather. And it may take longer for the seeds to germinate during colder seasons - if at all. I've planted chillies right through the year, keeping them in our scullery with layers of newspaper underneath the seedling trays to keep them warm, and they germinated beautifully. Good luck!
14 Mar 16, Cal (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, keen to start growing some naga or similar - I'm based in Sydney and am aware that summer is ending as I write this, will this delay the germination/growth/harvest or are they quite resilient to seasons? I intend on using a heat map in my apartment to begin with, before potting and moving outside onto a balcony. Let me know if this sounds like it'll work - all advice appreciated!
05 Mar 16, yvonne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have planted jalapeno chillies but the fruit has no heat just like a green capsicum! what can iI do to make the fruit hot Or is it best to just start again with new plants?
Showing 191 - 200 of 434 comments

Around Melbourne and in some regional areas of Victoria there are commercial seedling growers who grow seedlings in trays of about 200 per tray. These growers will often sell trays of seedlings from the nursery as a cash sale. Look up 'seedling nurseries' on the internet or send me an email and I will help you. Trust this helps.

- John

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