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 64°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 20 inches 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

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.
25 Oct 17, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a chilli plant that is now 3 years old in a large pot it is still producing chillies I feed it with tomato fertilizer is this normal it now resembles a small shrub
12 Oct 17, mberegeni (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
i need to know if habenaro can grow well in my area at levubu in limpopo
07 Oct 17, Tshifhiwa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I stay in Limpopo Thohoyandou and have an interest of growing chilli peppers. Any idea where to purchase the seedlings?
16 Sep 17, shraban (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Which spp. of chilli pepper can grow in temperate season? & What are the chemical and pesticides that needs to it?
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.
Showing 141 - 150 of 432 comments

I'm actually in Thailand but your site doesn't list that. Having a hard time growing chilies here and looking for any hints. Soil has plenty of nutrients but does not dry out due to the rains and clay underlayer. At this point I'm thinking of adding sand to the soil to aid in drainage. I've dug a hole in the garden down to the clay layer and filled it with water. It drained within 5 minutes so it's really about my topsoil quality. Thanks!

- Eric Nelson

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