How to Grow a Chilli Plant

There are a wide variety of chilli plants to choose from when deciding which type of pepper to add to your garden. Some people are intimidated by the notion of growing chilli pepper plants, but their growing requirements are actually very similar to those of red and green peppers. Seeds should be sown indoors in containers several weeks before the last spring frost is expected in your area. The young transplants can be moved to the garden when daytime temperatures average between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures are between 60 and 70 F.

Small growing containers

Potting soil

Organic mulch

Liquid tomato fertilizer

Fill small growing containers with potting soil. Plant several seeds in each container and cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Add enough water to moisten the soil and place the container in a location that receives bright sunlight.

Continue to water the seeds anytime the surface of the soil feels dry. Once they have sprouted, pull up all but the healthiest looking seedlings.

Water the new chili plants whenever the soil feels dry. Transplant the seedlings to the garden once they have developed between four and six leaves.

Dig a hole in the desired planting location the same depth and diameter as the roots of the chilli plant. Place the root ball into the hole, replace the soil and tamp down well.

Water the plant until the soil feels very moist. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around each plant to control weeds and conserve moisture. Continue to water anytime the top layer of soil feels dry.

Feed with liquid tomato fertilizer mixed at half the strength recommended on the package after flowers start to appear. This should be done at every other watering.

It takes between one and six weeks for chilli pepper seeds to germinate, depending upon the variety planted.

Transplant on a day that is cloudy and cool.

Do not allow the chilli plants to dry out, as this could be fatal.