How to plant chili easily

Chili Plant Basic

The chili plants were thought to originate in South America near present day Brazil . Hot chilies thrive in tropical areas but can be grown just about anywhere if proper care and precautions are taken. The seeds germinate at 70 degrees or higher and will often take seven to ten days to germinate.

Most home grown gardens use transplants due to the required long growing season of most chili plants. Choosing the right transplant can make a difference in the production of the plant. Choose transplants that are not leggy meaning the stem is not extremely long compared to the rest of the plant. Make sure the plant has not set fruit or started to flower. Lastly, make sure the plant has at least three or four sets of true leaves.

The chili plant averages a growing season of at least three months. It will take the three months to begin to grow fruit. Pick the fruits at an earlier stage if you don't want the fruit as hot. Generally, the more ripe it is, the hotter it will be. Color can usually give a good indication of ripeness. Some become red or orange when they are ripe. Others, stay green throughout their life.

Chile plants like a well drained loamy soil. Any large clumps of soil may interfere with the root system of the chili plant. They also like warmer soil due to the tropical nature of the plant. Organic matter incorporated into the soil gives the plant a head start. Using a balanced fertilizer is recommended. Worm compost is the best as it is easily broken down by the plant and surrounding soil.

Growing Zones and Length of Season

The growing zones, determined by where you live, are based on the average temperature in the region. Most chilies do well in growing zones six and higher. Some, however, will do well in lower numbered zones if the chilies are started inside or in a greenhouse, or bought as transplants.

Chili plants will not generally tolerate a frost and certainly not a freeze. Take care to not place them outside too early. Harden them off by setting them out a little bit longer each day. Then bring them in at night. You can also place them in a cold frame or greenhouse.

Most generally chili plants are set out once summer begins and temperatures are well into the 70 degree range. The soil temperatures must usually be around 65 degrees for better production. Any lower temperatures can kill the blossoms and will not set fruit then.

How to start chili seeds

The first consideration is where to plant your chili seeds. If you don't live in a tropical climate, container planting can be the best choice. Chili plants require a long, hot growing season, and in many northern areas, the season is too short for the chilies to mature fully. This is where containers come in handy. When the weather turns cold and your chilies are still green, simply set the pot in a sunny window and let them ripen. If you are planting outdoors, a spot closest to the house is recommended. These areas are warmer and more protected from frost.

Either in the garden or in a container, soil is the next consideration. To start the seeds, use a soil-less or sterilized seed starting mix. Chilies prefer and acidic soil; adding coffee grounds or diluted vinegar is an easy way to accomplish the needed acidic levels. Your goal is a PH between 5.0 and 6.0. Amend the soil with composted organic material, peat moss and lime for a healthy mix.

Lightly cover your seeds with the planting mix, and water to keep evenly moist. Using a spray bottle to mist the plants is a great way to avoid drowning the seeds. If the seeds are kept too moist, damping off can occur, which will kill the seedlings.

Sprouts should emerge in about three weeks, depending on soil conditions or humidity. Seeds should be covered with a clear plastic cover, such as plastic wrap, to retain moisture and humidity. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the cover and place in a sunny area.

Seedlings are ready to transplant to the garden or final container when two sets of leaves appear. Once transplanted, your seedlings will need daily watering, especially in the hot days of summer. Chili plants in containers need special attention as they dry out more quickly. In very hot areas, watering in the morning and evening can be necessary. The soil should remain evenly moist, but not soggy. Any soil you use should be well drained. Containers should have holes drilled in the bottoms. You can add sand or gravel to the soil mix to improve drainage.

Chili peppers need fertilizer about once a month. Use a complete mix labeled for fruits and vegetables. Be sure to mix according to label directions. Too much fertilizer can burn plant roots, especially in containers.

Water and the weather can affect the taste and hotness of your chili pepper plants. Too much or too little water can cause the chilies to taste bitter rather than hot. Long, sunny summers with high temperatures will grow hotter tasting chilies than short, cool summers with many overcast days.

Your chili peppers, started from seed, will be ready to harvest in roughly one hundred days. When peppers are ripe, they will remove easily from the stem. Pulling the off too soon can damage your plant.