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 S
T T T             T T T

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in Australia - sub-tropical 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 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.
  • Chilli harvest
  • 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 peppers

Chillies 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!

Your comments and tips

29 Mar 24, Gavin Mutimer (Australia - temperate climate)
Keep getting a maggot like larva in my chillies I know it's been infected when I see a little hole been bored in the fruit I do not know if it is a fruit fly or something else no one can tell have asked many people hard to treat if don't know what it is
10 Jan 22, Keith (Australia - temperate climate)
I am currently growing Carolina reaper plants. I also have ordered Scotch bonnet Ghost and chili x seeds. I live in warmer climes most of the year in Queensland.
06 Nov 21, marco (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i live on the gold coast my chillies are flowering now and have chillies .my chilli plants self seeded around august .i pickle my chillies .easy to do and has not got the zing as a fresh one ,yet nice to taste .
10 Nov 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You chop up your chilli or quick blend and fill jar with olive oil.
27 Sep 21, Peter Goodchild (Australia - temperate climate)
I want to grow some Biquinho Peppers. Can you suggest where I can buy some plants and/or seeds please and what is the optimum planting month. Tks and Rgds Peter
28 Sep 21, (Australia - tropical climate)
Boondie seeds sells them but are out of stock. Contact them and see when they might have them back in stock. Or try others on the internet.
14 Oct 20, taylah (Australia - temperate climate)
this information is very helpful;,
20 Nov 19, (Australia - tropical climate)
Is there any one in Cairns successfully grow chillies Do you have to grow them in green houses or in the sun I have been told I will have to have a green house as it is to hot and wet Love to hear from a grower in Cairns Fred
12 Nov 20, Nick (Australia - tropical climate)
I grow chili all year in Cairns. They do better if planted in the cooler months and the heavy rain in the wet season will kill smaller planta.
25 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look for when they say to plant. GROW in autumn/winter not summer.
Showing 1 - 10 of 271 comments

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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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