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

21 Jun 16, Annie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What type of soil do chillies prefer?
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
18 May 16, David (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am in Harare Zimbabwe and wonder if there are any local suppliers of Hot Chilli seeds?
02 Jul 16, Nestor (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
contact me for more details on hot chiilli seeds supplier in South Africa. Thanks
28 Jul 16, David (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Nestor, Can you assist me with contacts for Hot chilli seeds? Seeds for Africa do ship to Zimbabwe but are there others?
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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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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