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                  
        T T            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in USA - Zone 5b 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

21 Nov 17, William R (Australia - tropical climate)
Anyone growing orange habaneros in Cairns? Looking for seeds or seedlings. Cheers William
23 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can buy from "Boondie Seeds" on the net. $1 for 20 seeds. $2 postage for many packets - $20 worth of seeds free postage.
21 Nov 17, WWilliam R (Australia - tropical climate)
We are in Cairns. Any chance of some seeds? We have red Habonero seeds available if you would like some.
09 Sep 17, Ray Kruger (Australia - temperate climate)
My Bishops Crown has grown up to 1.2 metres tall and fruiting has diminished. Can I prune the bush? If so should this improve fruiting?
13 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have never tried to grow them. Maybe too much N. Have a look on the internet about growing them - how to grow chilli.
26 Jul 17, Howard (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Live in Queensland Australia am about to plant seeds from chilli .anything special ishoukd do?
28 Jul 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google how to grow chilli and read several articles.
09 Jul 17, Allen Payne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've planted chillies that keep flowering but no fruit, do you have an idea of what I'm doing wrong. They are healthy!
19 Jul 17, muchaco (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Need to shake the pollen out of the flowers. Probably not many bees around
15 Jul 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Try a little potash around the plants when flowering. Watered in, this should help promote fruiting.
Showing 51 - 60 of 272 comments

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.

- Nate.

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