Q&A for How to Grow Chillis

Chilis should be planted outdoors in the spring, after your region's last frost date.

The current generation will not change flavors. If you save seeds from plants grown near other varieties, you may end up with a hybrid variety with a different flavor.

You will likely find a range of 15 to 25 per plant. This depends also on how you treat them in terms of watering, fertilizing and general care.

It can take between two to four weeks for the first leaf to grow.

It should, as long as you continue to take good care of it. Make sure that you water it, and that it gets plenty of sun. You may also consider giving it some plant food to ensure a healthy crop. Just be sure to get the kind for vegetables, however.

Chilies range in colors from green to yellow. As long as the chili reaches the proper size, it is ready for harvest.

It may take between 2 to 4 weeks to germinate from seed. After processing the seeds, plant them under thin soil and leave it in direct sun above 22 degrees Celsius. At the end of week, water the soil for enough moisture. You should see the seed sprout in 3-4 days.

A medium-sized pot is good for chilis to grow in. Since they grow upward and aren't root vegetables, they can easily thrive in a pot.

Most chilly types can be grown all throughout the year. However it is easier to grow and maintain plant health if you sow in March (for tropical region, zone 6-8).

It depends on when your spring or summer time starts. Chilies grow in tropical areas close to the equator, so they love plenty of warm weather and sunlight.

Your plant may be pot bound. The best option would be to move it into a bigger pot or trim off some of the suckers (extra stems).

If it's a single indoor plant, it's possible it has not been fertilized or pollinated through the assistance of flying insects. I found the use of a very, very fine paint brush solved the problem. I ever so gently tickled the stamen once the flower was fully opened. You can actually see the pollen drift off. Going from one flower to the next with the brush does the job. I don't recommend this for multiple or outdoor plants, it's too time consuming.

It took four months for my chill plant (grown in a medium-sized pot) to bear a flower.

It takes about four to six months for the plant to grow and start producing chilies after the seed is sown in the soil.

No. Use a bigger drum so the plants get enough nutrients.

You can try a different variety. Some types of chilli aren't meant to be that big, while others are. Take good care of them, and give your plants the nutrients they need. Also, make sure you give them space. If the pot is too small, their growth will be stunted.

Yellow leaves are caused by a lack of water. Make sure to water your plant regularly, especially if you live in a particularly dry/humid climate.

Yes, that is a sign that the chilis will come.

Yes. but It's preferable to start from dried chili seeds as they may have a higher chance of germinating and sprouting. Be sure to soak them in warm water overnight first.

What matters is the ideal temperature for the plant. Springtime would be the best time to plant your seeds, but if you are planning to keep your plants indoors, you can plant them anytime of the year.

I would say you could get 1000 to 2000 per acre depending on how many parasites and bugs get to them.

This could be due to a number of factors, but it can typically be attributed to one of three reasons, the first of which is over- or under-watering your plant(s). Chillis grow best when the soil is left to dry out and then drenched. Overfeeding is also a common problem as people often try to increase the plant growth by feeding more. Use a good tomato feed (diluted as per manufacturer instructions) once per 1-2 weeks only. Finally, the issue could be pollination. If you're growing your chillis indoors or in a greenhouse, you have to hand pollinate your plant(s) by rubbing the tip of a paintbrush in the center of each flower.

Yes, chilies are great companions with tomatoes, onions and most herbs, such as cilantro.

No, but make sure they have no pests on the leaves, like red mites or green/black aphids.

No, they cannot be.

Yes! Since conditions are more stable indoors your plants may even grow faster.

It's not the best choice, but it's possible. Chillis like to have soil that is both moist and well-drained, so you'll just have to pay attention to the moisture content of the soil.

They will be very green and smell potent.

You can either freeze them directly after harvesting and thaw them out when needed or string them with a needle in a long chain and dry them for 2-4 weeks in open air. The taste will not change in either case.

That can be due to cold soil or the seed is too old. Remember they need a warm and sunny position to get going.