How to Sow and Grow Peppers and Chillis

Growing your own peppers and chilli’s at home is a rewarding experience, offering vibrant plants and a steady supply of fresh, flavourful produce. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced green thumb looking to diversify your garden, peppers and chilli’s are excellent choices. They thrive in a variety of climates and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, making them versatile for any garden setup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of sowing, nurturing, and harvesting these delightful plants, ensuring a bountiful and spicy harvest. Let’s dive in and spice up your garden!

Chilli Pepper Buena Mulata

Choosing your Varieties

Before you start sowing, decide what type of peppers you want to grow. Peppers come in many varieties, including bell peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, and more. Consider your taste preferences and the space you have available. Some peppers are compact and perfect for containers, while others need more room to spread out. Some of our popular varieties include:

• Chilli Pepper Chocolate Habanero
• Sweet Pepper Ingrid
• Chilli Pepper Zimbabwe Black

Preparing For Sowing

Timing

• Start sowing pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Peppers need a long growing season and a warm environment to thrive.

Soil and Containers

• Use a seed-starting mix or a light, well-draining potting soil.
• Choose containers with drainage holes. Seed trays, small pots, or peat pots work well.

Sowing Your Seeds

.Planting Depth

• Sow the seeds about 2 cm deep in the soil.

Spacing

• Space the seeds about 5 cm apart in the trays. If using small pots, plant 2-3 seeds per pot.

Watering

• Water the soil thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Sweet Pepper Purple Beauty

Germination

Light and Heat

• Peppers need warmth to germinate. Maintain a temperature of 24-29°C.
• Use a heat mat if necessary to maintain consistent warmth.
• Place the trays in a location with bright, indirect light or use grow lights for 14-16 hours a day.

Germination Time

• Pepper seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate. Be patient and keep the soil consistently moist.

Caring for Seedlings

Thinning

• Once the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, thin them out, leaving the strongest seedling in each pot.

Watering

• Continue to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Let the top layer of soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Transplanting Outdoors

Hardening Off

• About 2 weeks before transplanting, start acclimating the seedlings to outdoor conditions. Gradually expose them to direct sunlight and outdoor temperatures.

Choosing the Right Spot

• Select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Peppers need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Soil Preparation

• Amend the garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it.

Spacing

• Space the pepper plants 40-50 cm apart, with rows 50-60 cm apart.

Sweet Pepper Habanada

Ongoing Care

Watering

• Water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Support

• Use stakes or cages to support taller varieties and prevent the plants from falling over as they grow heavy with fruit.

Harvesting

Timing

• Harvest peppers when they reach the desired size and colour. Bell peppers are typically harvested green but can be left to ripen to red, yellow, or orange.

Method

• Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the peppers from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

Growing peppers can be a delightful and productive endeavour, bringing a splash of colour and flavour to your garden and kitchen. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of fresh, homegrown peppers. Happy gardening!

Video – How to Sow and Grow Peppers and Chillis