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            
        T T T          

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in Australia - 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
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
See comments for all plants

Snails love small chilli plants so when you plant put some snail pallets around. Chilli doesn't grow well in small cup size plastic pots so don't use them or if you buy a chilli plant in one transplant to a large ceramic pot immediately. Grow from seed in a sandy garden bed seems to work very well to germinate, when the plants are as tall as your finger transplant them into a largish ceramic pot 2 litre minimum and don't be scared of leaving them in a large pot as they grow well in pots. Use a reasonable quality potting mix and water every day, mornings best, Full sun is best so find a spot where the chilli gets the maximum sun possible. The potting mix will have enough fertiliser for the next growth stage so don't add any fertiliser for the next month. Then add blood and bone and watch them grow quickly and start to flower. I've had really good results with blood and bone so have not needed to try alternative fertilisers like manure. The beauty of blood and bone is it is almost impossible to burn or kill your plants. Finally add potash fertiliser a month after the blood and bone to ensure the chilli bush has plenty of fruit. The chilli's ive grown in big pots grow jjust as good as the ones in the garden beds if not better. L put that down to the warm soil and potting mix. I live in Perth too so I hope you have luck with your chilli's

- Peter

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