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
14 Jun 16, Jason (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Might be fruit fly, a friend mentioned he had fruit fly in his chillies, perhaps it happens if the chillies are not very hot. I have fruit fly in my grapefruit every year, but so far they haven't affected the cayenne chillies which are only 5 or 6 metres away.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Mar 16, Lyndy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I haven't a glue what grub you got but you could try spraying the bush with a garlic spray seems to keep most insects,and bugs away. ibuy the powdered garlic for supermarket mix a tsp in a spare bottle and go for it. Good luck.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jan 17, Ahane (Australia - tropical climate)
It's fruit fly. Had the same problem. Pruned bushes lower, removed all affected fruit and covered plants with insect mesh from the nursery. Cheap as and all new fruit is awesome without pesticides. Just remove netting while they're not flowering.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Feb 16, Dan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The flowers generally mean chillies come out of them.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 16, Rocki (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing a Carolina Reaper that is approx one meter high. It is in a 30 litre pot in full sun. There are lots of flowers but no fruit. Is it a case of waiting, or am I doing something wrong. The Cayenne that is growing next to it is going nuts with heaps of chillies.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Nov 17, Tanya (Australia - temperate climate)
We have a chocolate habanero, jellybean habanero and Devils Brew. We did have a Madame Jeanette but lost that during the first hot winds here. They each get fruit at different times. Be patient, you should get chillies soon.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Feb 16, Mira (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanku all-very helpful comments. It looks like the diagram: tiny chillies. What if I plant it into the ground with a shade-cloth roof to protect from frost?
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 16, Sandra Roberts (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Parramatta area and wonder what zone I'm in !! Just seen comment from someone who has Gippsland as temperate ?? Love this site.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Feb 16, Mira (Australia - temperate climate)
I recently purchased a chilly tree, currently about 40cms tall, will it grow if planted into the ground? We live in Central Gippsland. How tall will it grow?
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Feb 16, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
Compare it to its relative, tomato bush. Depends on the type of chilli. You will have lots of fruit probably and my wife reports they seem to even get hotter when left in the freezer.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 201 - 210 of 432 comments
See comments for all plants

I have a few Naga Jolokia plants growing, they are flowering, but not producing any fruit, any ideas how I can get them to produce fruit? Also how do I go about collecting seed to grow more at a later date?

- 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 GardenGrow 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 GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | 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. GardenGrow 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.