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  
              T T T T T

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in Australia - arid 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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08 Apr 20, Hugh Thenasia (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Sounds normal to me, but without a picture I cannot be sure. However, my bushes have also started this and it's normal as the cold weather hits. (You might want to prune the bush back in a month or two so it can over-winter) ;-)
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14 Feb 20, Ahmed (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can chillies be planted in a shaded area
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17 Feb 20, Astrid (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Ahmed, It depends on how much shade they get. I live in Johannesburg North and have successfully grown chillies in an area that gets around 3 hours of sun a day in summer (less in winter). Important is that they are in a sheltered location. I have successfully grown 3 chilli bushes - they are now 4 years old. The varieties I have were selected for their longevity (not annuals) and shade tolerance, and bought online from Livingseeds: 2 pepperdew types (Shan's sundew and Carl's sundew) as well as the West Park Birds Eye chilli. The West Park produces so prolifically that I get more chillies than leaves on the plant! You will need to do some pruning of the bushes in spring because they get more leggy than they would in full sun - cut back about 1/3 in early spring before any leaves appear. So unless you have total shade I recommend you give it a try.
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27 Jan 20, Sekete Moshoeshoe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Which areas are best fit for growing jalapeno in South Africa?
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03 Feb 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look up the climate zones to see if it grows in your climate zone. www.gardenate.com/zones/#zone-SA
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15 Sep 19, Lucas Potgieter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i buy Red Habanero or Carolina Reeper chillies or some seeds. Call or Whatsup 0818072427
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06 Jun 19, Joan Richardson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hello. Does Chilli go out of season, if so, when?
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30 Apr 19, Peter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
In Gauteng, what veggies and herbs can i plant from May month?
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07 Oct 18, Steve Unter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Were can I buy chillies in Gauteng ?
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10 Feb 18, Desiree (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi I planted habeneros and jalepenos but the insects are eating the leaves, any natural insecticide I can use
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Showing 31 - 40 of 90 comments
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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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