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
20 Nov 19, (Australia - tropical climate)
Is there any one in Cairns successfully grow chillies Do you have to grow them in green houses or in the sun I have been told I will have to have a green house as it is to hot and wet Love to hear from a grower in Cairns Fred
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Nov 20, Nick (Australia - tropical climate)
I grow chili all year in Cairns. They do better if planted in the cooler months and the heavy rain in the wet season will kill smaller planta.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look for when they say to plant. GROW in autumn/winter not summer.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Nov 19, anon (Australia - tropical climate)
I have that wrong with the melons etc. In tropics plant mid-late Autumn. In the sub tropics plant spring but you need to germinate the seeds in late winter- a problem with soil temps then as they are a little low. Germinate indoors in a warm area.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Oct 19, Phil Rodwell (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wanted to say what an amazingly useful resource your site is. Thanks for so much useful advice. Regards Phil Rodwell (Thank you, from the Gardenate team)
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Sep 19, Lucas Potgieter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i buy Red Habanero or Carolina Reeper chillies or some seeds. Call or Whatsup 0818072427
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Aug 19, Jodie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What best month plant chilli seeds please
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Aug 19, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check here https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Chilli%20peppers?zone=3
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Jun 19, Joan Richardson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hello. Does Chilli go out of season, if so, when?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Apr 19, Aaron Love (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a Chilli Peter bush that I have had a lot of peppers off, can I keep it growing for another season? Thanks Aaron
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 71 - 80 of 431 comments
See comments for all plants

Check the chilli page for your climate zone and read it, it has when to plant. Then google how to grow chilli in south Africa.

- Anonymous

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.