Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Chillies and peppers
Chillies and peppers make good crops for growing-bags and pots, either in the greenhouse or conservatory, or outdoors in milder parts of the country.
Outdoor
plants
Sow seed under glass in early April, at 20°C (68°F); germination may be slow. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and pot on when necessary. Harden off plants in late May/early June for two weeks. Plant out in a well-drained, fertile and moisture-retentive soil, 38-45cm (15-18in) apart, 30cm (12in) for dwarf cultivars. Cover with fleece or cloches to provide wind protection and the extra warmth needed for good crops.
Indoor plants
Sow in late March to be ready for final planting or potting on in eight weeks, when they should be at flowering size. Plant two or three plants per growing-bag or one plant per 20-25cm (8-10in) pot.
Flowering
and fruiting
Peppers naturally branch into two or more stems with a flower bud at the joint - failing that pinch out tips at 30cm (12in). Pick fruits when they are ready to encourage more fruits to develop. Left on the plants, fruits will change colour and develop a sweeter flavour or hotter in the case of chillies, but this will depress yields by 25% or more.
Cultivation
- Water little and often to keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging and drought.
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser once a week.
- Plants will tolerate a minimum night temperature of 12°C (59°F), but better results are achieved above 15°C (59°F). Avoid temperatures above 30°C (86°F) under glass.
- Maintain high humidity by damping down twice a day in hot weather if possible.
- Stake high yielding plants and those in growing-bags. Use three canes to avoid bending the brittle stems.
Other information