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 S S S
T T T             T T T

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

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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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21 Jun 16, Annie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What type of soil do chillies prefer?
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03 Jun 16, Robert cooper (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When do I prune my chilli plant What do I feed my chilli plant. Thank you
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17 Apr 16, Louisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a birds eye chilli bush that a friend gave me half grown that was in a pot. My husband transplanted it in backyard with commercial potting mix. My problem is the bush has plenty of flowers but no fruit. What can we do so as the bush will yeild chillies. I live in Townsville, Nq. Any help would be most appreciated.
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14 Oct 16, Adam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I know the teply is late but try a bit of potash to up the potassium and avoid nitrogen heavy fertilizers during the flowering season.
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31 Mar 16, James L (Australia - temperate climate)
Its probably a little late to plant out in the garden BUT you can grow them in minature greenhouses year round that can be bought from bunnings or masters .
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31 Mar 16, James L (Australia - temperate climate)
Temperate :)
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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.
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12 Apr 16, Cassie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
'Cross breeding' can only affect plants of the next generation ie the offspring of your current jalapeños
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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!
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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?
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Showing 71 - 80 of 272 comments
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Go on the internet and do some research about saving seeds. Some seeds need some curing first before putting in the fridge. I don't know whether it is/was a good idea to put in the freezer - other people here might know. Example - tomatoes need to be fermented in water to take the gel case off the seed before drying and then put in a bag and then into an air tight jar and put in the fridge. When taking that jar out off the fridge let it sit for 20-30 mins before opening it. If opened straight away condensation can happen and maybe ruin the seeds. You can only try - plant a couple of seeds to see if they germinate and then grow in a place protected from the wind a bit. Do some research to try and find a company/??? who can advise about your situation. Google something like - seed saving companies or seed saving bank. Good luck

- Mike

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