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
T T T T               T

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in South Africa - Semi-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

21 Oct 14, frans (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I m in upington and most of my chilli plants came up. Not giving it to much water.
31 May 14, Kate (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I Have a beautiful rainbow chilli in a large pot in full sun. It's turning yellow and wilting. Am I over or under watering it ?
01 Jun 14, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Chili plants don't need lots of water, sounds as if you might be overwatering.
27 Jun 14, greg (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What soil is best for chilli seeds.
06 Jul 14, Dries (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the general life span of a chilli plant?
20 Aug 14, Danie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Some of my inchanga chilli plants are now in their third year and still going strong. My red savina habaneros are now going into their second year and also very strong
10 Oct 14, Dudley Randa;; (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. My chilli plants growing shoots are all withering and curling up. Can someone help me with a treatment. Spider mite spray doesn't seem to help
17 Jul 15, Kabo Maswabi (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i get safe, treated chillies seeds which will be able to thrive in the hot arid conditions
10 Aug 15, Pam (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try the online shops: Organic Seeds and Living Seeds
04 Nov 15, Egbert (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it safe to plant chilli seedlings when the surface is dry or must I wait for the rain to fall first,because I'm in Limpopo and it hasn't rained in ages and I would like to start planting my chilli seedlings.so am a bit panicking because of the dry season but I have a borehole.please advise me on what to do.
Showing 21 - 30 of 88 comments

I'm in Ft. Lauderdale Florida (10B). I have the same issue. I've got a plethora of differing varietals that I germinated outdoors in Solo cups beginning in March. Some plants are 6"-8" tall while others are just starting to sprout. My Thai Chili Peppers are growing exceptionally well while the bell peppers are taking there "sweet" time getting here. The struggle is real.

- Bob

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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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