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

03 Nov 13, Matthew (Australia - tropical climate)
I would recommend that you start by planting the chilli seeds in a propagator (costs about 10 dollars at Bunnings), and placing it on top of the fridge with the lid on. This will allow the seeds to germinate. Once the chilli seedlings grow their first "true" leaves, place them (while still in the propagator tray) in a sunny spot for a couple hours per day.
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
Showing 281 - 290 of 433 comments

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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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