Chilli planting and growing care

With our multicultural population it’s not surprising that the chilli has become one of our most popular spices. Considering how easy and cheap chillies are to grow, why not grow your own?

Chillies originate from Mexico and were domesticated around 7000 years ago. There were about four original species and all of our modern cultivars are derived from these varieties. The chilli is basically a hot capsicum. They are in the same family as the capsicum Solanaceae and there is only one difference; a chemical that chillies produce called capsaicin. This chemical is what gives chillies their ‘hot’ flavour. It can also make their juice irritating to the skin, so if you have children make them aware of this fact.

Planting Chilli

Chillies need a well-drained soil and protection from frost. They are at their best during the warmer months of the year and tend to sulk a bit if the winter is too cold. In very hot regions, semi shade can be preferable, otherwise full sun is best for chilli cultivation. Like most fruiting plants, chilli need a nutrient-rich soil to bear a good crop of fruit. Planting Chillies in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix will give them a great start and all they need for healthy produce. 

Fertilising & watering Chilli

Feeding with Searles Flourish Tomato and Vegetable Soluble Plant Food from November to April will help produce more fruit. Continually harvesting your chillies will also encourage more setting of the fruit. In really hot weather, regular watering is beneficial. Keep in mind in tropical and subtropical areas the chilli is grown as a short lived perennial but in colder regions it’s usually grown as an annual with bushes being replaced each year.

Want more chilli plants?

Plants can be easily propagated from seed in Spring and Summer or planted as young plants during the warmer months.

Pests and diseases

Root knot nematode: Chillies belong to the same family as tomatoes, capsicums and eggplants which makes them prone to root knot nematodes. This is usually only a problem in very poor soils. To counteract this, add plenty of organic matter such as compost and manures before planting.

Bacterial spot: Use a copper based spray and avoid overhead watering.

Fruit fly: Set fruit fly traps to monitor populations and spray an organic fruit fly spray if needed. Another option is to use exclusion bags to cover and protect chillies from being stung.

Aphids, scale and thrips: Use a pyrethrum spray, Searles Bug Beater or white oil as a spray applied to foliage to keep these pests at bay.

Blossom end rot: Apply dolomite to the soil before planting, apply mulch and water when needed to ensure soil is consistently moist.

Popular chillies varieties

Heat rating ranges from 1–10, with 10 being the hottest

• Anaheim: 2 (for the timid)

• Jalapeño: 5

• Purple delight: 6

• Siam: 6

• Cayenne: 7

• Bell: 7 (and so ornamental)

• Thai Rainbow: 7 (great in pots)

• Birdseye: 9

• Habanero and Tepin: 10+ (for the diehards!)

Even if you are not a fan of chillies for eating, they are still worth growing just for their ornamental value. They can add a fantastic splash of colour to the vegetable or herb garden and can be easily grown in pots. Chillies are guaranteed to brighten any sunny verandah. So spice up your life today and become a chilli grower.