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                  
        T T            
        P P            

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

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

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15 Dec 23, Babe Sedile (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to start to grow chilies and I wanted to know the type that of soil that is perfect for it and the type of area that will be good for it see
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21 Dec 23, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Just have good rich loose soil, Soil that has had some manures and compost added to it. Some general fertiliser.
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19 Sep 23, Henry steenkamp (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Staying on the east coast of East London south Africa. Can I sow chillie seed now. And the soil composition please advice. Kind regards Jossie
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28 Sep 23, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Yes plant now - just good fertile soil. Good crumbly soil.
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11 Mar 23, Luis O. (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Will Habaneros or Ghost Peppers grow in Zone 9a?
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21 Mar 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Check the planting guide.
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14 Dec 22, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, can I plant my fresh chilli seeds, which has dried out in the fridge, directly in soil? Thanks in advance
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22 Dec 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Yes
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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
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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.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 434 comments
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I live in San Pedro in zone 10b. My vegetables include, tomatoes, snap peas, green beans (not pole), radishes, green onions and cucumbers. Except for tomatoes and jalapeño, serano and pan lamp are grown by seed. I am attempting to grow exotic hot peppers of many varieties. What hot peppers grow well here from store bought plants (very limited ) and seeds? Not interested in bells. Jalapeño, habanero, shishto, ghost, pequins and chiltepins are my main focus. Thanks for any advice and suggestions.

- George Hupp

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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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