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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
11 Dec 10, Robert Godson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are Chilli Plants a defence mechanise against anything; do they assist other plants by keeping away bugs or other infestations
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20 Sep 11, Ines (Australia - tropical climate)
are there any plants that can protect my chilli from being eaten by little bugs and birds?
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12 Oct 10, Craig Rachow (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi I picked up some Chili Tomatoes from a hardware store today, i don't know if they are a type of chili or a spicy tomato. There is no info with them. One is almost ripe enough to try so ill eat it in a day or so. Have you heard of these or can you shed any light?
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06 Sep 10, Sylvia Borg (Australia - arid climate)
I have a shrub of hot chillies I was wondering if I can trimming down?
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30 Jun 10, KAiki (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grow chilli in a pot inside the house in winter?
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18 Aug 10, Bron (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, but your plant will not produce at the same rate. I've kept my Habanero chilli plant alive in an outdoor greenhouse (not heated but north facing) but have only harvested a handful of chillis through winter. I grow birdseye chillis in summer & freeze these to use throughout the year - will attempt to keep one plant alive in the greenhouse next winter. Chilli plants are perennials in warm climates.
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05 Jul 10, Bill44 (Australia - temperate climate)
If you want to use chilli's during the winter months it's best to pickle some of the crop before they finish. This is what I do and have year round supply.
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30 Jun 10, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Growing indoors, they will need an even warmth and plenty of light. If they are on a windowsill, watch that they don't get too cold overnight.
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12 Apr 10, fiona (Australia - tropical climate)
The best way to get rid of the burning of chilli, on your fingers or mouth is milk, either drink or soak fingers in the milk its works for me!
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06 Apr 10, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have something eating my chilli plant too. When I look at the underside of the leaves there are lots of tiny pale green creatures, I think they might be aphids? I'm trying pyrethrum to get rid of them, fingers crossed.
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Showing 341 - 350 of 434 comments
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Snails love small chilli plants so when you plant put some snail pallets around. Chilli doesn't grow well in small cup size plastic pots so don't use them or if you buy a chilli plant in one transplant to a large ceramic pot immediately. Grow from seed in a sandy garden bed seems to work very well to germinate, when the plants are as tall as your finger transplant them into a largish ceramic pot 2 litre minimum and don't be scared of leaving them in a large pot as they grow well in pots. Use a reasonable quality potting mix and water every day, mornings best, Full sun is best so find a spot where the chilli gets the maximum sun possible. The potting mix will have enough fertiliser for the next growth stage so don't add any fertiliser for the next month. Then add blood and bone and watch them grow quickly and start to flower. I've had really good results with blood and bone so have not needed to try alternative fertilisers like manure. The beauty of blood and bone is it is almost impossible to burn or kill your plants. Finally add potash fertiliser a month after the blood and bone to ensure the chilli bush has plenty of fruit. The chilli's ive grown in big pots grow jjust as good as the ones in the garden beds if not better. L put that down to the warm soil and potting mix. I live in Perth too so I hope you have luck with your chilli's

- Peter

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