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 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

10 Sep 22, Pst Dennis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good Day. I have transplanted my chilli and pepper plants to the ground. Please advise what fertilizer can I use and at what stage must the plants be fertlizer Thank you
14 Sep 22, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If you prepared your soil well before you transplanted then you wouldn't need more fertiliser. Put manures/compost in your soil 1-2 mths before planting and dig it in well a couple of times. Put a little fertiliser in when you plant. Make a little furrow where you are going to plant them, sprinkle some fertiliser in the furrow and mix it into the soil - then plant your crop. Just buy a general garden fertiliser - one for vegetables. If your plants grow to one foot and they are yellowish then they need some fertiliser - if they are nice dark green colour then your soil is good.
14 Mar 22, TLANGELANI MAGAMANA (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
when is the right time to plant habanero in Tzaneen area
14 May 21, Trevor (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I transplant a chilli plant after a few months of growth? Approx 6 inches high. It is in a crowded box
04 Dec 20, Isaiah ramaphala (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant chisa Chillies at Brits on the 15 th of December
08 Dec 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the planting guide here. Seedling maybe - seeds probably not.
08 Nov 20, Claire (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in East London. Can i plant chilies ini pots as in flower pots or do you advise directly in the garden?
09 Nov 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You can grow in a pot, make sure it is a big pot. If chilli is going to grow 50cm make the pot that wide also.
01 Aug 20, Constance (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I stay in Botswana.When can I start to plant chillies?
03 Aug 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Look at the monthly calendar at the top of the page, set your climate zone, it tells you the best months to start planting - NOV.
Showing 11 - 20 of 90 comments

Megan, I have had the same problem with growing jalapenos, the plants make a lot of fruit, but they all stay very small and not spicy. I have found some other chili varieties grow better, birdseye chilli's especially. Someone suggested that the pH in my soil might be too high, I havent checked it though.

- Joel

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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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