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Growing Chilli, also Hot peppers

(Capsicum sp.)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    S   P P            

(Best months for planting Chilli in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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' chilies.
  • Compatible with: Best grown in a separate bed as chillis need plenty of light and air circulation.
  • Small, hot, chilli

Small bushy plants. Dark green ovate leaves.

Chilli need warm frost free weather, so protect with glass or plastic covers if planting outside in cooler areas.

Most varieties need a long growing period to produce many fruit.

There are many types of chilli. Some are more fiery than others. As a general rule, the smaller the pod the hotter the taste.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Chilli

Chillis freeze very well. Wash, dry, and free whole. Use them direct from the freezer (no need to defrost).
Wear plastic gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling and cutting to avoid accidentally rubbing chilli juice onto your mouth or eyes!


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Post a question, comment or tip about Chilli

If only I could send you some of the thousands my single green chilli plant is producing!! I live in Brisbane, Australia, and am at my wits end with the amount I get every day - close to 3/4 bucket full every 2-3 days. I have made hot/sweet fruit chutney, eggplant pickle, given away heaps and heaps and still have a bucket full sitting in my kitchen. Don't do too much more than watering every 2-3 days, but started with well rotted vegetable peels etc, so I guess the soil I have planted this one plant in had a good start and no pests at all.

- JWM


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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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