Chilies are delicate plants that need warmth and moisture to produce good fruit. They are closely related to peppers and, with their colorful, shiny fruits, are an attractive addition to any garden. They also require very little space. There are numerous varieties and each one is full of flavor. In this article you will learn how to plant chili peppers in the garden and what you should pay attention to!
Introduction to chili varieties
Before we describe how you can plant chili peppers in the garden, we would like to give you some basic information about these plants. They belong to the genus Capsicum and are divided into five different species.
- An annual fruitis the most common type available commercially. These include jalapenos and cayenne peppers.
- Capsicum chinense: These include the Habanero and Scotch Bonnet varieties. They are known for their fruity aroma and extreme spiciness. The place of origin is Peru.
- Capsicum berryis a very popular variety in South America that has a slightly sour taste. The fruits hang down like bells.
- Pubescent capsicumcomes from Central America and owes its name to its hairy leaves.
- The fruits ofCapsicum bushhang upright on the plant
Interesting facts: Although they are commonly referred to as vegetables, all peppers, including chilies, are actually fruits. The fruits contain seeds and grow from the flower of the plant, classifying peppers as fruits.
Planting chilli in the garden – this is how you do it right
Once you've planted chilies in your garden and tasted their wonderful flavor, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Follow these steps and you will soon be able to enjoy a delicious harvest!
Choose the right location and enrich the soil
Choose the right location: Chilis are heat-loving garden plants. They like full sun in a warm spot in the garden. For this reason, they do not grow well outdoors in German climates. Don't plant them in the garden before the end of May as it will probably still be too cold then. Wait until the temperature has reached at least 10 degrees Celsius and the danger of frost has passed.
Then choose a spot in your garden that is in full sun or at least mostly sunny for most of the day. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, look for a spot in full sun, with good drainage. Too much water will flood the chili and cause it to produce less fruit.
Enrich the soil:The soil in your garden may need to be amended slightly to produce the best harvest. Chilies prefer soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients. Therefore, mix some sand into the soil to improve drainage and mix in compost a few weeks or months before planting.
- Always test your soil first. If your soil is low in potassium, consider choosing a fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen from a local nursery.
- Test thatpH of your soiland determine if you need to make any further adjustments. Chilies like soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7. The sooner you can prepare your soil, the better your chilies will grow.
Dig small holes and plant chili in the garden
Dig the holes: Using a garden trowel, dig small holes slightly larger than your seed or root ball. The distance between the holes should be about 0.3 m, but depending on the type of chili you are planting, the distance can be larger. Research the chilies you are growing to find the perfect spacing for your plant.
Planting chilli in the garden: Place each chili plant or seed into the holes you dug. Cover each plant with soil so that only about 1/2 inch of soil is on top of the roots or seeds. Don't pack the soil too tightly when you're done, as the chilies grow better in loose, well-drained soil.
Water chilies daily and remove weeds from the garden
Water the chilies daily: Chilies like evenly moist, well-drained soil. So it is important to keep the soil moist. However, avoid overwatering as too much water can drown the plants.
- Notice: As the chilies begin to grow, you can reduce the amount of water, but you should never let the soil dry out completely.
Remove weeds: It will take a month or more for the chilies to bloom and bear fruit. Remove any weeds as leaving them will rob the chiles of space and nutrients over time. Work compost and potassium fertilizer into the soil monthly to keep the nutrient levels high. You can also add a layer of mulch to the soil to retain moisture and keep weeds out.
Harvest chilies: Harvest timing varies depending on the variety of chili, but generally you can tell when they are ripe by their size. However, if you're not sure if a chili pepper is ripe to pick, give it a try! This way you'll know if it needs to grow a little more or if it's ready to debut in your kitchen.
Overwintering chili - How can the plant survive in your apartment?You can find out here!
