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  
                  T T  

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in Australia - temperate regions)

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

August: sow in pots

  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
02 Feb 17, Karen (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Yes. Not counting the seed leaves I generally let the plant grow to about 8 true leaves then remove the lower 2 (ventilation space under growing plant) and cut the stem leaving 4 true leaves. This results in a stronger stem, more side shoots = more fruit. This works well for me growing one plant per 15L container.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jan 17, Peter (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
If you nip off the stem they will be sturdier plants and I have found they do produce more fruit.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Nov 16, gordon bates (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
how long will fruit begin to grow after flowering
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Oct 16, Vanessa (Australia - temperate climate)
Can i plant cayenne pepper seeds direct in the garden bed now that its a bit warmer?
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes. That is what would happen naturally. Don't cover the seeds too deeply and mke sure they do not dry out.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Sep 16, jordan (Australia - tropical climate)
My bigger chillies going well but just the small ones 4inch chilli leaves curling upwards especially tips which grow tiny so I pull off and then lower leaves grow regrowth but top repeated itself tops are tiny and curled live in cairns queensland
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Your chillies probably have an attack of 'Broad Mite'. I grow a lot of chillies and frequently have to spray for these mite. The small leaves curl up and stop growing. Ask your local nursery what they recommend as a spray and make sure that you spray the under side of the leaves, as that is where they will be. I do not use organic sprays but prefer not to recommend anything in writing. Bob
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Sep 16, Paul (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I have many green chili peppers on my plant, and frost is around the corner. If I harvest the green chili peppers, and bring them in the house, will they turn mature into red chili peppers?
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Aug 16, Freeman (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi plz give me the following information.I can i plant chilie during summer and winter? And chilies are on markets.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jul 16, Mark Rogers (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the preffered time to sow Habenero seeds
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 171 - 180 of 436 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Matt, I have moved to Cairns recently and am very interested in growing Habaneros and other chillies. Could I grab some seeds from you? Would love to get some general advice on varieties and local conditions too. Cheers

- Daniel

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.