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

31 May 14, Kate (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I Have a beautiful rainbow chilli in a large pot in full sun. It's turning yellow and wilting. Am I over or under watering it ?
01 Jun 14, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Chili plants don't need lots of water, sounds as if you might be overwatering.
28 May 14, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I recently bought cucamelon seeds. I'm just wondering where and when it would be best to sow these seeds.
05 May 14, wal (Australia - arid climate)
My chillies pods are being invaded by white grubs therefore causing chillies to rot.What can I do to prevent this?
04 May 14, Avajatar (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you start growing in May, and let it grow from then on?
11 May 14, Travis Edwards (Australia - temperate climate)
no not in the southern states anyway if they get frosted they will die. best to start your seeds indoors in august and wean them outside after the last frosts.
01 Apr 14, Alex (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I am based in the Karroo and would like to know what advise you could give me in regards to soil tipes ?? What is a better tipe of soil to plant in and as the Karroo is extremely hot would I be able to plant chillis outside or would they be more suited to a green house or tunnels. Any help would be apreciated... Thank you
21 Oct 14, frans (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I m in upington and most of my chilli plants came up. Not giving it to much water.
18 Mar 14, Margie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have just planted my Chillies plant outside in my courtyard in East London Eastern Cape. It can get quite windy - will that harm the plants - should I rather put it in a pot
02 Mar 14, willem (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant chillies now?
Showing 261 - 270 of 432 comments

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

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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. 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.
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