Planting and Growing Guide for Hot Peppers (Capsicum sp.)
Description
Hot peppers or Hot Chillies are small bushy plants with dark green oval shaped leaves. There are many varieties with varying degrees of hotness. The more popular varieties include: Anaheim - Medium to mild heat; Jalapeno - Medium to mild heat; Serrano - Medium to high heat; Cayenne -High heat; Tabasco - High heat; Habanero - Very High heat. The height and width of the hot pepper plants and so their spacing, depends on the variety. Most hot pepper plants grow to about 1 foot wide and 2-3 feet high (25 cm x 73 cm). Chillies are frost tender and need lots of water in hot weather. Chillies need a long growing period to produce fruit and so late plantings need to be well before the first winter frosts are expected. Seed should be started 8 – 12 weeks before the last frost is expected. The seeds are often slow to germinate especially in cold ground. Expect at least 55 - 80 days from transplanting to the first peppers are ready to pick.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow in seed trays and plant out after 4-6 weeks when frosts have finished. Or sow in the garden after the last frosts. Sow about 2 cm (3/4 inch deep)
Space between plants: Space plants about 40-50 cm (18-20 inches) apart.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 9-11 weeks (55 - 80 days). You may need to wear gloves if the chillies are very hot. Can be picked earlier as small fruit
Hints:
- Chillies freeze very well. Wash, dry, and freeze the whole chillies in plastic bags or containers in the refrigerator
- Feed regularly with liquid manure or fish emulsion, or well rotted compost added as a mulch. But beware that over-fertilising will produce plants with abundant leaves but few peppers
- Requires full to partial sun, where there is ample room for the vines to spread
- Hot peppers do best in fertile, well-drained soil with neutral pH soil. A covering of mulch helps to keep the soil moist and warm.
- Wear plastic gloves and take care when handling and cutting to avoid getting chilli chilli juice into your eyes!
- Frost tender and needs warm weather to fruit well
- Cut the chillies from the plant to avoid damaging the main stem
- Larger plants may need support
- Aphids are cutworms are common pests
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!