How to grow Chilli

A comprehensive guide to growing Chilli and contains information on when to plant, feeding, harvesting. It also covers pests and troubleshooting notes.

Chilli plants do best in rich, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Chilli plants require a sunny, sheltered position.

No, Chilli plants are not frost tolerant. 

Plant your Chilli plants around 40cm apart. 

Chilli are warm season crops that are best grow in temperatures between 18 and 30°C (65–86°F).

Sow Chilli seeds indoors in late winter and transplant seedlings outdoors in spring, once the danger of frost has passed.

Seeds can also be sown outdoors in spring. Keep the soil moist and warm to ensure successful germination. 

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Plants will overwinter if protected from frosts.  

 Apply an organic fertiliser to your Chilli plants throughout the season.

Chilies can be harvested green once they have reached a good size, otherwise they can be harvested at any colour which follows. 

Pests that affect Chilli plants include: Aphids, Slug, Snail, Fruit Fly, Spider Mites, Thrips, Root Knot Nematodes, Flea Beetle, Armyworm, Leafroller, Leafminer, Pepper Weevil, Tomato Fruit Worm. 

Diseases that affect Chilli plants include: Aphids, Slug, Snail, Mosaic Virus, Leaf Spot, Blight, Verticilllium wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Powdery Mildew. 

Chilli plants may require staking for support.