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 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

28 Jul 13, James (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Melbourne, Wat is the time te of year to start seedlings and how much water do they need ? Thanks
28 Jul 13, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi James, Check under the entry for chillies - set your zone to Temperate Australia
15 Jul 13, Jenny Loo (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all: when is the best time to craft a chilli plant? Thank you vrry much
20 Jun 13, Kerry Hart (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We would like to know how to keep/store our excess chilli's if you can assist us Regards Kerry
07 Jul 13, Kate (Australia - temperate climate)
Chillis freeze really well and I use them direct from frozen - just chop and cook!
07 Jun 13, Jade Webb (Australia - temperate climate)
I heard that horse manure kills chilli plants. Is it true?
20 May 13, Ollie (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought some chilli plants two months ago and the leaves are turning yellow, chillies growing on the tree, it's coming to the end of may. I taught it may be the weather but when I went to Bunnings there trees were green, any ideas before I lose them?
24 May 13, Jas (Australia - temperate climate)
Try A mixture of 2 teaspoons of epsom salts to 500ml of water it works a treat
17 May 13, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I bought 3 small chilli plants recently, unfortunately 2 died, & I am trying to keep the 3rd surviving plant alive, but it is wilting. I have it in a small pot on a north facing verandah, but I was wondering if it may be too cold for it - it is now May, and I live on the south-west coast of Victoria & prone to frosts. I was wondering what I can do to keep the plant alive. I have noticed a couple of small white flowers on the plant, but the plant itself is very small & wilting -?too much water. I am a beginner gardener, & would be really encouraged if I could manage to keep this plant alive & able to produce chili's which I love. thanking you, Helen
15 May 13, charmaine (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does one have to replant chilli plants every year or does the bush actually stay as a kind of shrub?
Showing 281 - 290 of 432 comments

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