How are chili peppers grown?

They are said to have a spicy taste that some find very unpleasant, but others still love it. I'm talking about the chilies, which are closely related to peppers. In fact, they are of the same family and gender. They are mainly distributed throughout South America, in tropical areas where winters are warm and there is no risk of frost. Hot peppers - that's what I call them - are annuals, just like all other peppers. But the good news is that cultivars behave like perennials if the weather conditions are favorable.

Would you like to know how to grow chili peppers? We tell you below.

Chili peppers are plants that can live in a pot. In fact, it is something that we recommend, since this way you can give them the growing conditions they need without having to worry excessively about the weather if it is cool. You can sow the seeds towards the end of winter indoors, or buy the already grown plants in spring and / or summer.

To protect them from the cold, you should store them indoors as soon as the temperature drops below ten degrees. It must be remembered that they come from tropical climates, and that a temperature below ten degrees can be fatal. Indoors we make sure it can at least grow well into winter.

Here is a selection of chili peppers that, we believe, we should try:

Chilli 'Basket of Fire'

The ideal chili to have in a hanging pot, on a table decorating the patio or terrace,… anywhere! They are compact plants, with abundant foliage, that produce a large number of fruits that range from purple, through cream and orange to bright red.

They are resistant to the coldest climate, so you will have fruits practically all year.

Chilli F1 'Apache'

These plants have compact, emerald green leaves that bear lots of glossy fruits that ripen from green to red. A very reliable strain for an F1 hybrid.

Chilli 'Joe Super Long'

This chili plant grows to a height of approximately 90cm in a large pot. It produces long, thin fruits that range from green to deep red. They are very good for drying.

Chilli 'Peruvian Lemon Drop'

As incredible as it may seem, it is a chili that has the same color as lemon. The fruits range from green to yellow. Good to have in a sunny backyard, but best in a greenhouse.

Chilli 'Piri-piri'

Plant that can grow to a height of approximately 60cm, but most often it does not exceed 30cm. This chili is used to make the sauce known as the 'piri-piri sauce'. It is delicious if we combine it with chicken and prawns.

More tips on growing

We think chili peppers will do best in individual terra cotta pots if grown outdoors. Otherwise, on portable growing tables to be able to move them to a warmer place in the fall. The pot will have to measure a minimum of 30cm in diameter so that it can develop well. It is important to use a specific substrate for the garden or, failing that, one that has many nutrients. As soon as the chili peppers start to bloom, can be paid weekly with an ecological and / or organic fertilizer to ensure a good harvest.To attract pollination and make the pot more attractive, they can be planted together with nasturtiums, calendula and, of course, basil. Do not forget to place it in full sun and water abundantly so that the plants grow strong and healthy.

You have to be attentive to pests, especially mites, mealybugs, aphids. Remember that prevention is the best remedy, so we recommend that once or twice a week you spray the chili plant with an ecological insecticide.

Harvest the fruits regularly. Too much fruit on the plant will slow down fruit production.

Have a great time growing your own chili peppers and… have a good harvest!