Q&A for How to Grow a Chilli Plant from a Seed

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Why am I not getting chili on my plants if they are growing well and the flowers are coming in?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Your plant may be suffering from a phosphorous deficiency. Phosphorous is necessary for fruit production. Fertilize according to the directions on the label with an NPK 3-20-20.

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Question

Can I cut back a chili plant in the fall and let it go dormant, then bring it out in the spring and water it and have it grow again and produce chilis?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

You can try to overwinter your chilli plant indoors over the winter. Don’t cut it down. Bring it inside and place it in a warm bright location. Continue watering and fertilizing your pepper plant. Some peppers are easier than others to overwinter indoors. Some pepper plants can survive a few years.

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Peppers are ready to be harvested after what duration of time?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It depends on the type of pepper you're growing, but most chillies are ready to harvest about 35-45 days after your plant flowers.

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Can I plant seeds directly from the chilli?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, you can plant seeds that come from chillies. Just cut open the chilli and remove the seeds. Place them in a shallow container and let them dry out for about 1 week. Once they're dry, they're ready to germinate.

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Do chili seeds need to be dried to plant them?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Drying the chilli seeds tends to help them germinate faster, though it's not strictly necessary. However, if you want to store seeds away to plant next year, they do need to be dried. Just set the seeds in a shallow container and place them in a well-ventilated area, like your kitchen. After about a week, they'll be fully dry. Then, transfer them into a sealed container.

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Question

What can I do if the chili plant has grown but there are no fruits?

Community Answer

Make sure it is getting enough sunlight. Generally peppers need quite a bit. Water could also be a factor. If it is not draining properly, and the roots are constantly wet, it may not fruit. Similarly, if it is too dry it may not fruit either. Stick your finger about a half inch into the soil before watering. If it's already wet, don't water it.

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Question

How long does it take for a chili plant to go from seed to plant?

Community Answer

If you purchased the seeds in packets, they will take about 2-3 weeks. If you took the seeds from dry chilies they should grow in about a week.

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Can I plant the seeds from dried chillies right away?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but be sure to give them proper germination.

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Question

What compost should I use for my chilli plant

Community Answer

Use a light, general-purpose compost.

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Will a chilli plant fruit if it only gets a few hours of direct sunlight?

Community Answer

Not likely, as they need a lot of sunlight.

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What do I do if some of my newly germinated seedlings are drooping and lying flat on the ground?

Community Answer

Try sprinkling rain water or irrigational water and not the chlorinated household supply water. If this works, you should see the seedlings back up in 36 hours.

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What can I do to get rid of something unknown that seems to be eating into the fruit on my chili plant?

Community Answer

Put a mini greenhouse around them so that the creature can't get in. You can buy the mini greenhouse in gardening shops.

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