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    
                    T T

(Best months for growing Chilli peppers in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

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

September: After risk of frosts

  • 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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31 Mar 16, James L (Australia - temperate climate)
Temperate :)
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31 Mar 16, James L (Australia - temperate climate)
Try feeding fortnightly with Yates Thrive flower and fruit soluble fertiliser. I have never had problems with lack of heat. Also make sure you keep your jalapenos away from any other member of the capsicum family ad they may cross breed and produce fruit that is not consistent with its original description.
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12 Apr 16, Cassie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
'Cross breeding' can only affect plants of the next generation ie the offspring of your current jalapeños
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16 Mar 16, Natalie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I recently bought chilly seeds from seeds from seeds of Africa in Cape Town, i am so impressed, my carolina ghost reaper is finally bearing flowers...cannot wait :)
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15 Mar 16, Hishaam Salie (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Good day I've recently gotten my green fingers and have created a beautiful garden with my wife ,its smells of herbs in the day and jasmine in the evening with a colorful variety of trees and plants,sadly to say we've been trying for a while now to germinate a chili tree from its pips of the fruit.My question which would be the correct method to follow and how do we maintain its up keep and which method of planting is the correct method in a pot at first or directly into the soil
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Growing peppers is easy. I like to sow seed in seed trays, but it really doesn't matter. Just ensure that if you plant them in situ (directly into the ground) that you offer them protection from nocturnal critters as well as birds. Cover seed to a depth of three times their size. Peppers, in particular, do not like to germinate in wet soil. Moist soil only. Peppers take approximately 7-8 days to germinate.
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14 Mar 16, Hantie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I still plant chillies in March?
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29 Mar 16, Sanet (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Hantie, yes, you can if you keep the seedlings inside the house or somewhere warm. Chillies don't like cold weather. And it may take longer for the seeds to germinate during colder seasons - if at all. I've planted chillies right through the year, keeping them in our scullery with layers of newspaper underneath the seedling trays to keep them warm, and they germinated beautifully. Good luck!
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14 Mar 16, Cal (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, keen to start growing some naga or similar - I'm based in Sydney and am aware that summer is ending as I write this, will this delay the germination/growth/harvest or are they quite resilient to seasons? I intend on using a heat map in my apartment to begin with, before potting and moving outside onto a balcony. Let me know if this sounds like it'll work - all advice appreciated!
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05 Mar 16, yvonne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have planted jalapeno chillies but the fruit has no heat just like a green capsicum! what can iI do to make the fruit hot Or is it best to just start again with new plants?
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Go on the internet and do some research about saving seeds. Some seeds need some curing first before putting in the fridge. I don't know whether it is/was a good idea to put in the freezer - other people here might know. Example - tomatoes need to be fermented in water to take the gel case off the seed before drying and then put in a bag and then into an air tight jar and put in the fridge. When taking that jar out off the fridge let it sit for 20-30 mins before opening it. If opened straight away condensation can happen and maybe ruin the seeds. You can only try - plant a couple of seeds to see if they germinate and then grow in a place protected from the wind a bit. Do some research to try and find a company/??? who can advise about your situation. Google something like - seed saving companies or seed saving bank. Good luck

- Mike

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