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

28 May 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Why did you plant in MAY, read when to plant them.
11 May 20, Gavin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought a chilli plant, very small, and it grew into a lovely plant, heaps and heaps of chilis. My question, will it flower again each year and produce new fruit each year? Or do I throw it away, and plant a new one?
07 Nov 20, carol (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I try to take my chillie plants through the winter by protecting from frost and the ones that survive do really well, better than new plants, so I would try to keepit going
22 Oct 20, villybang (New Zealand - temperate climate)
i have a jelopeno plant that is 5 years old (in a large pot ) It still produces chillies ..loads of them Its a small tree if you google it. produces mostly smaller fruit but . it does yield a few large ones ( probably more then a younger plant will ) pruning it back, sometimes pulling off the new buds, will transfer the energy back into the plant. of course using the right fertilizer, minerals and Nutrients will also help the plant survive overwintering looks like its dead. But it is survivable if done right
12 May 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Best to google it and read up. Can be annual or perennial.
30 Apr 20, Edward de Bruin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hello, I would like to grow rocoto chilli as I have heard that they grow better here in NZ than other varieties. can you let me know when to sow the seeds and when to transplant into the garden or pots please. I reside in Nelson on the south island. Kind regards Edward
05 May 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The advice here covers all chillies. Look at the notes here it tells you when to plant. When seedlings are about 75-125mm high transplant.
20 Apr 20, Jim (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Just my observations. I am in zone 8a. I built my first lasagne bed in the fall of 2018. Then planted n spring of 2019. I experimented with a variety of chiles. Poblano, Thai, Cayenne longs, Pasillas, Italian sandwich, Sweet Bells, and Jalapeño. The bed got full sun, I planted closely, and harvested 472 mature chiles. Every variety produced heavily. This would seem to contradict your data, that chiles need growing room, and good air circulation. The “ stems” were more like trunks of a two year old fruit tree. Almost 2” in girth and very sturdy. I submit this data not to gloat, but for further consideration. Thank you!
24 Jun 20, Mairlyn (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Jim what date did you plant your chiles? I'm new to the area and gardening and want to plant poblano peppers. Thank you
04 May 20, Colleen (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hey Jim, How many plants did you plant in the bed? One of each? I'm doing a variety of chili peppers in containers this year and your comment gives me hope that two plants could fit in one 7 gallon grow bag. Thanks! Best, Colleen
Showing 51 - 60 of 428 comments

You can grow in a pot, make sure it is a big pot. If chilli is going to grow 50cm make the pot that wide also.

- Anonymous

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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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